(I) Why are environmentalists concerned about Taj Mahal, The heritage monument at Agra these days ?
Explain giving chemical reactions.
(ii) What is acid rain ? Give atleast two effects of acid rain.

Explanation

(i) Taj Mahal is made of white marble (Calcium carbonate). Industries in Agra, and Mathura refinery located few kilometers away are polluting the air with sulphur dioxide `(SO_(2))` and oxides of nitrogen `(NO_(X))`. These pollutants form acids in the atmosphere and then return to the earth with water as rain. The acids present in the acid react with marble (Calcium carbonate) and corrode it. Chemical reactions ivolved are :
`{:(CaCO_(3),+,H_(2)SO_(4),to,CaSO_(4),+,CO_(2),+,H_(2)O),("Marble",,"Sulphuric",,"Calcium",,"Carbon",,"Water"),(,,"acid",,"sulphur",,"doixide",,):}`
`{:(CaCO_(3),+,H_(2)SO_(4),to,Ca(NO_(3))_(2),+,CO_(2),+,H_(2)O),("Marble",,"Nitric acid",,"Calcium",,"Carbon",,"Water"),(,,,,"nitrate",,"doixide",,):}`
(ii) It literally means rain water containing excessive excessive amounts of acids (sulphuric acid and nitric acid ) with a pH less then 5.
Two other effects of acid of acid rain are-
`*` It increases the acidity of the soil thereby affecting land plants and animals.
`*` It increases acidity of water bolied thereby affecting aquatic life.