Abstract
\nThe effect of acid rain on stained glass windows is felt by many churches and other
\nhistoric buildings worldwide, especially in Europe. As a result, the relationship between the
\ntraditionally dark interiors of these European churches and the acid rain that corrodes the stained
\nglass was studied. Specifically, the effects of specific pHs of acid rain on the visible light
\nabsorption of stained glass over time were examined.
\nIn order to study this topic, various samples of modern stained glass were exposed to
\nacidic solutions at specific pHs. The visible light absorption of these samples was measured
\nusing an Ocean Optics Chemistry USB 4000 NIR-VIS spectrometer over a period of eight
\nweeks, with one absorption measurement per week. These absorbance spectra were then
\ncompared to analyze the specific impact of pH on the samples of stained glass.
\nIt was found that pH affects the visible light absorption of stained glass in three main
\nways. First, after breaking through an initial outer layer on the glass, the visible light absorption
\nof stained glass will continue to increase as it is exposed to acidic solutions over a period of time.
\nSecond, the lower the pH of the acidic solution that the samples of stained glass are exposed to,
\nthe higher the visible light absorption of the samples of stained glass. Finally, a greater change
\nin the pH of the solution over the course of the experiment lead to a greater change in the visible
\nlight absorption of the samples exposed to that solution.<\/p>\n
Francis Ricci<\/p>\n