Alkaline precipitation

[2] Natural alkaline rains from semiarid areas carry a substantial amount of mineral dust lifted from desert soil convection and transported by winds.

Mineral dust containing large amounts of alkaline compounds such as calcium carbonate can also increase the pH of precipitation and contribute to basic rain.

Industrial processes such as coal combustion, limestone, chromium ore, alumina extraction, iron, and steel manufacture can cause pollution by producing alkaline residue.

[1] The pH change in the water can cause precipitation of calcite from alkaline leachates that suffocate benthic and littoral aquatic habitats, along with reducing light penetration.

[1] Remediation for alkaline leachate requires active aeration in order to promote carbonation, recirculation of drainage waters over stockpiled or lagooned residues, and acid dosing.

The impact of alkaline residue in the environment. Industrial processes produce alkaline residue that leaks into the environment such as groundwater changing the pH or can become fugitive dust in the air. [ 1 ]