What kind of materials can ship exhausts generate when interacting with the environment?

When ship exhausts interact with the environment, they can generate acidic substances as a result of combustion processes. Specifically, the burning of fuels in ship engines produces nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they can react with water vapor and other atmospheric components, forming acids such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid. This process contributes to acid rain, which can have detrimental effects on marine environments, structures, and ecosystems.

Acidic substances are significant pollutants because they can lead to the deterioration of both natural and man-made materials, including the coatings used on ships. Understanding the formation of these acidic byproducts is crucial for the development of mitigation strategies and protective coatings in marine applications.