Because acids dissolve metals, acid rain damages metal structures. Bridges, rail- roads, and even automobiles can be damaged by acid rain. Since acids also react with carbonates (CO32-), acid rain damages building materials that contain carbonates, including marble, cement, and limestone. Statues, buildings, and path ways in the Northeast show significant signs of acid rain damage ( Figure 21).
Acid rain can also accumulate in lakes and rivers and affect aquatic life. In the northeastern United States, more than 2000 lakes and streams have increased acidity levels due to acid rain. Aquatic plants, frogs, salamanders, and some species of fish are sensitive to acid levels and cannot live in the acidified lakes. Trees can also be affected by acid rain because the acid removes nutrients from the soil, making it more difficult for trees to survive.