Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has warned that air pollution could contribute to the formation of acid rain, potentially harming the environment and infrastructure.
Trismidianto, a lead researcher at BRIN’s Climate and Atmospheric Research Center, explained that rainwater contaminated with pollutants such as heavy metals, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides could trigger acid rain, accelerating corrosion and structural damage.
He cited Jakarta’s iconic Pancoran Statue as an example, saying years of exposure to acid rain had led to surface corrosion.
“Acid rain occurs due to various environmental factors, including air pollution and precipitation. These factors contribute to the corrosion of statue surfaces and other structures,” Trismidianto states on BRIN’s official website, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
The Hidden Dangers of Rainwater Pollution
The researcher noted that many people underestimate rainwater, assuming it poses no harm. However, he warned that when rain absorbs pollutants like heavy metals, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, it could become acidic and pose environmental risks.
Given these concerns, Trismidianto emphasized that climate and atmospheric research is crucial to improving early disaster warning systems, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable environmental management, and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He also explained that Earth’s atmosphere consists of several key layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere (ionosphere), and exosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.
“Acid rain forms in the troposphere, the lowest atmospheric layer that extends about 8 to 15 kilometers above Earth’s surface. Since most weather phenomena, including rainfall, occur in the troposphere, acid rain also develops within this layer,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ionosphere plays a crucial role in aviation and disaster prediction. “Ongoing research is currently examining ionospheric total electron content to predict earthquakes by analyzing surface movements or changes in electron levels,” he added.
Climate Change and Human Activity
Trismidianto also highlighted the critical role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in agriculture and global weather patterns. Changes in ocean currents can significantly impact rainfall and climate conditions in Indonesia.
One example is El Niño, a phenomenon caused by disruptions in Pacific Ocean atmospheric and oceanic circulation, which can trigger extreme weather patterns and adversely affect crop yields.
“All of these factors contribute to climate change. The real question now is: how do we stabilize it?” Trismidianto said. He stressed that climate change is closely linked to human activities.
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He further explained that climate change involves gradual shifts in climate variables, particularly air temperature and rainfall, occurring over long periods, typically 50 to 100 years. The effects may include floods, droughts, seasonal shifts, and changing weather patterns.
As climate change continues to reshape global weather patterns, experts stress the urgency of reducing air pollution and implementing sustainable environmental policies.
Without decisive action, far greater impact including the acid rain and extreme weather events leading to hydrometeorological disaster could pose significant risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human livelihoods
(Raidi/Agung)
