Here’s a more structured format for your project on “Impact of Acid Rain on Soil and Plants”

with the sections you mentioned:

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1. Aim

To study the impact of acid rain on soil pH and the growth of plants, specifically the Aniseed
plant (Pimpinella anisum), and observe how exposure to acid rain affects their health and
development.

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2. Introduction

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic due to pollutants in the air such as sulfur dioxide
(SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from industrial emissions, power plants, and vehicle
exhaust. When these chemicals combine with water vapor in the atmosphere, they form
sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃), leading to precipitation with a pH lower than
5.6, which is termed "acid rain." This phenomenon has detrimental effects on the
environment, including soil degradation and harm to plant life. This experiment aims to
explore how acid rain affects the pH of soil and the growth of the Aniseed plant.

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3. Theory

Acid Rain Formation: When sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into
the atmosphere from industrial and vehicle emissions, they react with water vapor, oxygen,
and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃).

Effects on Soil: Acid rain lowers the pH of the soil, making it more acidic. This can lead to
nutrient imbalances, affecting plant growth and health.

Effects on Plants: Plants exposed to acid rain can suffer from nutrient deficiencies, damaged
leaves, and stunted growth. Acid rain can also leach away essential minerals like calcium and
magnesium from the soil.

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4. Aniseed Plant

The Aniseed plant (Pimpinella anisum) is a herb commonly grown for its aromatic seeds. It is
used in cooking and traditional medicine. This plant serves as an excellent subject for
studying the impact of acid rain, as it is sensitive to changes in soil pH and environmental
conditions. The plant has distinct leaves and stems, making it easy to observe growth changes
under different conditions.

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5. Requirements

Soil (garden soil or potting mix)

Aniseed plant seeds or seedlings

Water

Vinegar or lemon juice (to simulate acid rain)

Distilled water (for control group)

pH meter or pH test strips

Plant pots (4-6)

Measuring cup

Spray bottle or watering can

Ruler (to measure plant height)

Notebook for observations

Gloves and lab coat (for safety)

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6. Procedure
1. Prepare the Plant Pots: Fill 4-6 pots with an equal amount of soil. Label them as "Control"
and "Acid Rain."

2. Plant the Aniseed Seeds: Plant 2-3 Aniseed seeds per pot. Water them with distilled water
(for the control group) and acidic solution (for the acid rain group).

3. Prepare Acid Rain Solution: Mix vinegar (or lemon juice) with distilled water to achieve a
pH of around 4, simulating acid rain. Use a pH meter or pH strips to check the pH level.

4. Watering: Water the plants in the acid rain group with the acidic solution, and the plants in
the control group with distilled water. Water both sets once every 2-3 days for 2 weeks.

5. Observe and Measure: Over the course of the experiment, observe the growth of the plants
and measure their height weekly. Record any changes in leaf color, leaf damage, or signs of
stress.

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7. Experimental Setup

Control Group: Plants watered with distilled water to simulate normal conditions.

Acid Rain Group: Plants watered with the acidic solution, simulating the effects of acid rain.

Both groups should be kept in similar conditions with adequate sunlight and temperature.

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8. Observations

Soil pH: Measure the pH of the soil before starting and at the end of the experiment using a
pH meter or pH test strips. Record any changes in pH for both groups.

Plant Growth: Measure the height of the plants every week. Compare growth between the
control and acid rain groups.
Leaf Color: Observe any changes in leaf color. Plants exposed to acid rain might show
yellowing (chlorosis) or brown spots.

Plant Health: Look for signs of wilting, stunted growth, or leaf damage in the acid rain group.

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9. Evidence

Data Tables: Create a table to track the pH levels of the soil before and after the experiment,
as well as the weekly height measurements of the plants.

Photos: Take photographs of the plants at regular intervals to document visible changes in
growth and health.

Graphs: Plot a graph comparing the growth of plants in the control group and the acid rain
group. The graph can show the plant height over time.

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10. Result

Soil pH: The soil exposed to acid rain should show a decrease in pH, becoming more acidic
than the control group.

Plant Growth: The plants exposed to acid rain will likely show stunted growth compared to
the control group, with reduced height and possible leaf discoloration (yellowing or
browning). In contrast, the control plants should exhibit healthy growth.

Leaf Damage: Plants in the acid rain group may show signs of leaf damage, including
curling, spotting, or necrosis (dead tissue).

Conclusion: Acid rain negatively affects both soil and plant health. The soil becomes more
acidic, leading to nutrient deficiencies, while the plants show slower growth and visible
damage.

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11. Bibliography

1. Books:

"Environmental Chemistry" by Stanley E. Manahan

"Introduction to Environmental Science" by William P. Cunningham & Mary Ann

2. Websites:

National Atmospheric Deposition Program: https://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Acid Rain: https://www.epa.gov/acid-rain

3. Research Papers:

"Effects of Acid Rain on Plants" – Journal of Environmental Science & Technology

"Impact of Acid Rain on Soil Properties and Plant Growth" – Environmental Pollution
Journal

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This project outline should provide a structured approach to studying the effects of acid rain
on soil and plants. You can further refine the experiment based on available materials and the
time you have for the project. Good luck!