Final answer:
Minerals containing silicates are not a cause of acidification of the atmosphere or surface waters, unlike the other options such as sulfides or carbon dioxide, which do contribute to environmental acidification. So, the correct option is d) minerals containing silicates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following chemicals is NOT a cause of acidification of the atmosphere or surface waters. Acidification of the atmosphere and surface waters can be attributed to chemicals that, when released into the environment, lead to the formation of acids. Common causes include minerals containing sulfides that can release sulfuric acid, carbon dioxide (CO2) which forms carbonic acid in water, and nitric and sulfuric acids produced from certain oxides reacting with water.
However, bicarbonate is a product of CO2 dissolution in water and acts as a buffer in solution, and while it can contribute to shifts in pH, it is not a primary cause of acidification. On the other hand, minerals containing silicates do not typically release acidic compounds and are thus not responsible for the acidification of the atmosphere or surface waters. Therefore, the correct answer is d) minerals containing silicates. These minerals are not a direct cause of environmental acidification compared to the other listed substances, such as sulfide-containing minerals or carbon dioxide.