The diagram illustrates the process by which pollutants from human activities form acid rain, which subsequently damages the environment and the food chain.
Overall, the process consists of ten stages, beginning with four main sources of pollution and ending with the contamination of the food chain.
At the first stage, pollutants are released from housing, transport, factories, and power stations. These emissions, including carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, rise into the atmosphere and combine with clouds. As a result, polluted clouds are formed and carried across different countries and continents by the wind.
As these polluted clouds travel long distances, they eventually release acid rain. This acidic rainfall falls onto hills, forests, rivers, and lakes. Consequently, trees and plants absorb toxic substances, while water bodies become polluted. In the final stage, these pollutants enter the food chain through plants and aquatic organisms, leading to harmful effects on animals and humans.