Final answer:
Acid precipitation does not increase soil fertility or enhance cation diffusion into root hairs; it negatively impacts the environment by depleting soil nutrients, harming trees, and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acid precipitation does not enhance the diffusion of cations into root hairs nor does it increase soil fertility. In fact, acid rain has detrimental effects on ecosystems. It is a form of precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal due to the presence of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere. These pollutants stem from activities such as burning coal and motor vehicle exhaust.
When acid rain falls, it can lead to the depletion of important nutrients from the soil, make trees more susceptible to environmental stressors like drought and insect infestation, and even damage limestone and marble statues. Contrary to increasing fertility, it could lead to increased soil acidification which is harmful to plant life. Additionally, it can decrease the pH levels of lakes and streams, resulting in harm to aquatic life by releasing toxic aluminum from soils into bodies of water.
Therefore, the concept that acid precipitation enhances soil quality or plant growth is a misconception. The overall impact of acid rain is harmful to the environment, potentially leading to reduced agricultural productivity and ecological harm.