Final answer:
The least effective strategy to reduce acid deposition among the given options is increased industrial emissions, as it contributes to the problem. In contrast, scrubbers in power plants and catalytic converters in cars actively reduce the emissions that cause acid rain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the following strategies to reduce acid deposition, the least effective is increased industrial emissions. Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, is primarily caused by the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which result from the combustion of fossil fuels.
Scrubbers in power plants are effective as they trap SO₂ by reacting it with lime to produce calcium sulfite, which helps prevent these gases from entering the atmosphere. Preservation of forests is important for maintaining air quality but is more related to carbon sequestration than direct reductions of acid deposition. Catalytic converters in cars reduce toxic emissions by promoting complete combustion, thus reducing the amount of nitrogen oxides released.
In contrast, increased industrial emissions would contribute more to the problem by increasing the concentration of the chemicals that cause acid rain, proving to be the least effective strategy to reduce it. Technologies like scrubbers and catalytic converters, along with forest preservation strategies, are more proactive and effective in addressing the issues of acid deposition and air quality.