Acid rain has detrimental effects on the environment, primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water vapor in the atmosphere. It can lead to soil acidification, harming plant life and disrupting nutrient availability. Acid rain negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems by altering the pH levels of lakes and rivers, which can be toxic for fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, it can damage buildings and infrastructure, eroding materials and leading to increased maintenance costs.