Answer :
Final answer:
Lakes without limestone are more affected by acid rain since they lack the buffering capacity of limestone to neutralize acid. Limestone, high in calcium carbonate, can mitigate the effects of acidic conditions, protecting aquatic ecosystems and structures made from limestone or marble.
Explanation:
Acid rain has a significantly greater effect on lakes that lack limestone compared to those with limestone content. Limestone, consisting largely of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), reacts with acid rain to form carbonate ions, which are a weak base capable of neutralizing acids. This buffering capacity means that environments rich in limestone can more effectively neutralize the acidity of rainwater and thus are less affected by acid rain. Conversely, environments poor in limestone lack this buffering component and are more susceptible to the adverse effects of acid rain, such as declines in aquatic biodiversity, damage to plant life, and chemical weathering of structures and culturally important statues made of marble or limestone, as highlighted in various figures depicting the damage caused by acid rain.
