Helena Joyce
Nitrogen pollution is a form of water pollution caused by excessive nutrients entering water bodies. This is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where excess nitrogen stimulates algal blooms and oceanic dead zones. The major sources of nitrogen pollution include agricultural runoff, fossil fuel combustion, sewage, and synthetic fertilizers. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, predominantly from industrial and urban areas, is another significant contributor, with point sources like waste-treatment plants releasing large amounts of nitrogen into downstream rivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of nitrogen pollution | Surface runoff from farms, waste from septic tanks and feedlots, emissions from burning fuels, raw sewage, stormwater, wastewater, fossil fuels, agriculture, certain soaps and detergents, yard fertilizers, pet waste, manure, urine, fertilizers, biomass burning, industrial sources, municipal sewage treatment plants, atmospheric deposition, sewage, livestock waste, fossil-fuel burning, synthetic fertilizer, combustion from transport, industry, energy sector |
| Effects of nitrogen pollution | Algal blooms, oceanic dead zones, air pollution, eutrophication, biodiversity loss, climate change, harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, acid rain, nitrogen saturation in forests, shortness of breath, impaired lung function, exacerbated respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, drinking water quality issues, underground water poisoning, toxic red tides |
| Actions to address nitrogen pollution | Proper disposal of animal waste, improved nutrient management in crop production and livestock sector, recovery of nutrients from wastewater and livestock waste for fertilizers, agroforestry and agro-ecological practices, crop rotation, no-till farming, adapting protein in livestock diets to reduce nitrogen losses |
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![Identifying sources of subsurface nitrate pollution with stable nitrogen isotopes Timothy J. Wolterink ... [et al.]. 1979 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Agriculture
Fertilizers and manure are applied to fields to provide crops with the nitrogen and phosphorus necessary to grow and produce food. However, when these nutrients are not fully utilized by the growing plants, they can be lost from the farm fields and negatively impact air and downstream water quality. This excess nitrogen and phosphorus can be washed from farm fields into waterways during rain and snowmelt and can also leach through the soil into groundwater over time. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies can cause eutrophication, leading to hypoxia ("dead zones"), fish kills, and a decrease in aquatic life.
Agricultural practices, such as ploughing and development, contribute significantly to nutrient loading in soils. Nutrients from these activities can accumulate in soils and remain there for years before eventually making their way into water bodies. In addition, animal manure contributes large proportions of nitrogen, particularly in the South and parts of the Northeast of the United States.
To reduce nitrogen pollution from agriculture, farmers can adopt improved nutrient management techniques. This includes applying nutrients (fertilizer and manure) in the right amounts, at the right time of year, with the right methods, and in the right placement. Implementing conservation practices, such as subsurface tile drainage, can also help manage water movement on and through soils.
Developing markets for ecosystem services, such as water quality trading, can provide financial incentives for farmers to improve nitrogen management practices. Additionally, collaboration between farmers, state governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community groups is vital to reducing nutrient pollution in water and air.
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Fossil fuels
Nitrogen pollution is a form of water pollution caused by an excess of nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, entering the water. This stimulates algal growth and can lead to harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, acid rain, nitrogen saturation in forests, and climate change.
One of the major sources of nitrogen pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere and contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain. Fossil fuel combustion has been shown to disrupt the nitrogen cycle by altering the amount of nitrogen in the biosphere. Nitrogen oxides are the most common nitrogen-related compounds emitted into the air by human activities, and the burning of fossil fuels associated with transportation and industry is the largest source of these emissions. Trucks, buses, and cars are the largest emitters of nitrogen oxides, followed by industrial processes such as oil and gas production, industrial boilers, and coal-fired power plants.
The use of fossil fuels in transportation and industry has increased the amount of nitrogen in the air. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, methane gas (natural gas), and diesel are burned at high temperatures, releasing nitrogen oxides. These emissions can then be deposited back onto the land, where they wash into nearby water bodies, contributing to nutrient pollution.
Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen is generally greatest in areas of high precipitation, and nitrogen oxides are also produced from burning natural gas both outdoors and indoors. Gas-fired power plants and facilities that extract, process, or transport oil and gas contribute to nitrogen oxide emissions.
Businesses can reduce nitrogen pollution by managing and reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and conserving energy.
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Wastewater
Nonpoint source pollution, also known as "diffuse" or "runoff" pollution, is a significant contributor to nitrogen in waterways. This type of pollution comes from ill-defined and diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff and urban stormwater, and is challenging to regulate as it varies with season, precipitation, and other factors. In the United States, agricultural nonpoint sources account for 93.5% of the total nitrogen added to major watersheds.
Various methods for removing and recovering nitrogen from wastewater are being explored. Chemical precipitation, for example, is a low-cost and easy-to-operate method, but it has high operating costs due to the use of chemicals and energy requirements. Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), are becoming more popular for nitrogen removal as they are flexible, easy to operate, and economically feasible. Biological denitrification is another method that utilizes natural microbial metabolism to remove nitrogen and is considered the most common technology in sewage treatment.
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Atmospheric deposition
Nitrogen deposition can have detrimental effects on the environment, leading to eutrophication of surface waters, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This eutrophication causes excessive algal growth, known as algal blooms, which can result in the creation of oceanic "dead zones" where aquatic plant growth consumes all the available oxygen, leading to the suffocation of other marine life.
In addition to environmental impacts, atmospheric nitrogen pollution also affects human health. Nitrogen dioxide, a common pollutant, is breathed by 77% of people at concentrations beyond safe levels. The particulate matter formed by ammonia in the air can cause respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma. Furthermore, there is growing evidence linking reactive nitrogen in the air to several types of cancer.
To address atmospheric nitrogen deposition, it is crucial to identify specific sources, which can include synthetic fertilizers, fossil fuel burning, and agricultural animal production. By understanding these sources, targeted pollution-prevention plans can be developed for individual watersheds, considering factors such as land use, population, hydrologic conditions, climate, and physiography.
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Industrial and urban sources
Urban development and human activities also play a role in nitrogen pollution. Urban runoff, stormwater, and combined sewage overflow are significant sources of nitrogen pollution in cities. When precipitation falls on cities, it carries pollutants, including nitrogen, across impervious surfaces like rooftops and roads, eventually depositing them into local waterways. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, largely from point sources, is another concern, especially in areas with high precipitation.
The type of landscaping and pavement in urban areas can influence nitrogen runoff. Certain soaps, detergents, yard fertilizers, and pet waste contribute to nitrogen pollution if not properly managed. Additionally, wastewater treatment plants in urban areas may not adequately remove nitrogen before discharging it into waterways, further exacerbating the problem.
Managing urban development and reducing point-source emissions are crucial for mitigating nitrogen pollution. Upgrading industries, restructuring energy consumption, and investing in waste treatment technologies can significantly reduce nitrogen emissions. For example, China's plans for urban development in 2050 include treating urban excreta with nitrogen removal technologies and improving energy consumption practices. These measures are expected to halve nitrogen emissions, demonstrating the importance of addressing industrial and urban sources to combat nitrogen pollution effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Nitrogen pollution is largely caused by agricultural practices, fossil fuel burning, and the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. However, when crops do not fully utilize nitrogen from fertilizers, manure, or crop waste, the excess nitrogen can leave farm fields and negatively impact air and water quality.
The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and gasoline, releases nitrogen into the atmosphere. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen can then occur, impacting water bodies and contributing to air pollution.
