Final answer:
Weathering would happen more quickly if a manufacturer allowed acidic byproducts of fertilizer production to enter a river, leading to acid rain and other environmental problems. Acid rain depletes nutrients in the soil, harms trees, corrodes buildings, and harms aquatic life.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a manufacturer lets acidic byproducts of fertilizer production enter the river, weathering would happen more quickly. Acidic compounds increase the rate of chemical weathering by reacting with minerals present in rocks and other materials. This is particularly evident with materials such as limestone and marble, which can be eroded by acidic conditions. Additionally, when acidic byproducts make their way into bodies of water, they can lead to acid rain, which can have further detrimental effects on both natural and manmade environments.
For example, acid rain can cause trees to become more susceptible to drought and insect infestation, deplete nutrients in the soil, and corrode statues and buildings. In aquatic ecosystems, acid rain can lower the pH of the water, which can harm or kill aquatic organisms and lead to the release of aluminum from soils into lakes and streams, where it is toxic to many species. This is particularly a problem in areas with low buffering capacity.
It is important to note that acid rain and the release of acidic compounds into the environment are not only the results of fertilizer production but can also come from a variety of sources such as motor vehicle exhaust and coal burning, which release nitrogen and sulfur oxides into the atmosphere.