Final answer:
Acid mine drainage is a process causing environmental issues by contaminating water with sulfuric acid, stemming from exposure of sulfur-bearing minerals to atmospheric conditions. Human-induced phenomena, like acid rain from burning fossil fuels, exacerbate the impact on both natural and built environments. Additional groundwater pollutants include arsenic and fluoride from mining and volcanic activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acid mine drainage is an environmental issue in which groundwater and surface water can become polluted with sulfuric acid. This occurs when sulfur-bearing minerals are exposed to water and oxygen, often as a result of mining activity. The process forms sulfuric acid, which can then lead to increased acidity in nearby water sources. As the water becomes more acidic, metals may also become mobile at high concentrations, posing a risk to aquatic life and potentially to human health through the contamination of drinking water.
Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, release large amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas into the atmosphere. When rainwater falls through this gas, it becomes acid rain - a corrosive form of precipitation that can acidify lakes. Acid rain not only adversely affects ecosystems, but it also damages man-made structures, with notable examples like marble monuments experiencing significant chemical degradation.
Groundwater pollution from elements like arsenic and fluoride is also a concern, particularly in areas where mining operations and volcanic activity are present. These contaminants can lead to serious health issues for people using the affected groundwater for drinking.