chemical changes?

Question

Describe the series of chemical changes sulfur in fossil fuels goes through that may be harmful to plants and creatures that live in aquatic enviroments.

Answer 1

Depending upon the amount of oxygen present, the sulfur in fossil fuels will usually end up as Sulfur dioxide and Sulfur trioxide. The Dioxide will often react with atmospheric Oxygen to form additional Sulfur trioxide.

S + O2 --> SO2
2 S + 3 O2 --> 2 SO3
2 SO2 + O2 --> 2 SO3

Sulfur trioxide will readily react with atmospheric water to form Sulfuric acid:

SO3 + H2O --> H2SO4

This is one of the components of acid rain. It is usually not all neutralized during runoff and can make its way into creek, rivers and lakes. In bodies of water, the sulfuric acid changes the pH of the water, often with dire effects on aquatic lifeforms.

Answer 2

yes