Abstract
Acid rain is a general term used to describe acid depositions, i.e. rain, fog and snow (known as wet deposition), as well as acid
gases and particles (known as dry deposition). Acid rain is of particular environmental concern in Romania, as many soils have
lately become acidic, causing serious damages to plants, animals and human beings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate by
simulation the impact of acid rain on a podzol sample taken from the Retezat National Park, a Romanian protected area situated
in Hunedoara County. Laboratory experiments were performed by leaching soil columns with simulated acid rain (prepared in
volumetric flasks) at different pH levels, and then soil cation concentration was characterized at all these pH levels. The results
suggest that acid rain generates serious problems for the agricultural and environmental management.