Nitrogen Pollution: A Clear And Present Danger

Nitrogen pollution is a pressing issue threatening the environment, human health, climate, and ecosystems. It is caused by excess reactive nitrogen in the environment, which can come from natural processes or human activities such as the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, burning fossil fuels, and industrial processes. This excess nitrogen pollutes water and air, degrades soils, causes toxic algal blooms, and creates dead zones in the ocean. It also contributes to climate change and ozone depletion, with nitrous oxide being a particularly potent greenhouse gas. The effects of nitrogen pollution are far-reaching, and it is essential to take action to reduce nitrogen waste and promote sustainable nitrogen management to protect the planet and human health.

Nitrogen pollution sources

Nitrogen pollution is caused by human activities and is threatening our environment, health, climate, and ecosystems. It is polluting water and air, degrading soils, causing toxic algal blooms, and creating "dead zones" in the ocean. Sources of nitrogen pollution include:

Agriculture

Agricultural activities such as the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, manure, and urine contribute to nitrogen pollution. Fertilizers are a major source of reactive nitrogen, and their use has doubled between 1978 and 2014 globally, with almost half of the world's population relying on them for food production. Agricultural ammonia emissions, combined with pollution from vehicle exhausts, create dangerous particulates in the air, exacerbating respiratory diseases and causing heart disease.

Industry and combustion

Nitrogen pollution is also emitted by industry and combustion processes. Nitrous oxide (N2O) from these sources is a greenhouse gas 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide and has been proven to deplete the ozone layer. Wildfires and the burning of forests can further increase emissions of nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Livestock waste

The livestock sector emits a significant amount of nitrogen pollution, with about 68% associated with feed production. Livestock waste can be managed and converted into organic fertilizers, reducing nitrogen losses through waste.

Burning fossil fuels

The burning of fossil fuels in the agriculture, transport, industry, and energy sectors also releases nitrogen pollution. Nitrogen oxides from coal power plants, factory emissions, and vehicle exhausts contribute to smog and ground-level ozone formation.

Outdated septic systems

Outdated septic systems can contribute to nitrogen pollution in water bodies, as seen in Long Island, where high nitrogen levels have fueled invasive plant infestations and increased the growth and toxicity of harmful algae.

Nitrogen pollution effects

Nitrogen pollution is causing an environmental catastrophe, threatening our environment, health, climate, and ecosystems. It is polluting water and air, degrading soils, and causing toxic algal blooms.

Nitrogen pollution is the biggest driver of biodiversity loss on the planet, after habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions. It can degrade soils, cause the inadvertent fertilization of trees and grasslands, and allow nitrogen-tolerant species to outcompete more sensitive wild plants and fungi. It can also create "dead zones" in the ocean.

Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere can produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which impair our ability to breathe, limit visibility, and alter plant growth. When excess nitrogen returns to Earth from the atmosphere, it can harm forests, soils, and waterways. Sources such as agriculture and stormwater can contribute excess nutrients to the environment.

Nitrogen pollution also affects human health. Drinking water contaminated with high levels of nitrogen is associated with increased risks of colon, thyroid, kidney, and stomach cancer. Excessive nitrate exposure during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and "blue baby syndrome" in newborns. Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) emitted from soils contribute to smog formation and air pollution, exacerbating respiratory diseases.

To address nitrogen pollution, governments must accelerate actions and legislation to significantly reduce nitrogen waste by 2030 and promote sustainable nitrogen management. This includes reducing agricultural nitrogen waste, cutting synthetic fertilizer use, and improving nitrogen efficiency on farms.

Nitrogen pollution and climate change

Nitrogen is an essential component of the air we breathe, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. However, it can also become a disruptive pollutant when it is converted into chemically reactive forms. Nitrogen pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern, threatening human health, ecosystems, and climate stability.

One of the primary contributors to nitrogen pollution is the rising consumption of nitrogen-based fertilizers in the agricultural sector. The use of fertilizers has doubled globally between 1978 and 2014, with almost half of the world's population relying on them for food production. When nitrogen in its active form, such as fertilizer, comes into contact with soil, microbial reactions release nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. N2O is approximately 300 times more effective at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, and it remains active in the atmosphere for over a century. In addition to its direct climate impact, N2O also contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Another consequence of excess nitrogen in the environment is the occurrence of algal blooms in lakes and waterways. These blooms are often caused by fertilizer runoff and emit greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change. Additionally, agricultural ammonia emissions, released during the housing, storage, and spreading of animal manure, as well as the application of synthetic fertilizers, contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Nitrogen pollution also extends beyond agriculture. The burning of fossil fuels in the transport, industry, and energy sectors releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are major air pollutants. Wildfires and the burning of forests can further increase NOx emissions, including nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O). NOx emissions contribute to the formation of ozone (O3), which has a warming effect on the atmosphere.

The impact of nitrogen pollution on climate change is significant. According to the UNEP's 2018-2019 Frontiers Report, the economic cost of nitrogen pollution is estimated to be between US$340 billion and US$3.4 trillion annually, considering its impact on human health and ecosystems. To address this issue, governments have adopted resolutions on sustainable nitrogen management, aiming to significantly reduce nitrogen waste globally by 2030. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the pervasive impact of nitrogen pollution on society and the environment.

Nitrogen pollution solutions

Nitrogen pollution is a pressing issue that has largely been ignored by the international community. It is caused by human activity, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, the burning of fossil fuels, and livestock waste. The environmental fallout is significant, with nitrogen pollution causing toxic algal blooms, eutrophication, and the creation of "dead zones" in oceans, rivers, and lakes. As a major factor in biogeochemical pollution, it poses a risk of abrupt and irreversible environmental change.

To address this, a multifaceted approach is necessary, involving governments, industries, and individuals:

Government Action:

• Governments should prioritize legislation to significantly reduce nitrogen waste and promote sustainable nitrogen management. This includes reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers, which are a major contributor to nitrogen pollution when not managed properly.
• Increase investment in water quality sampling and enforcement to protect natural habitats and ensure safe drinking water sources.
• Provide incentives for farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as precision fertilizer application techniques, and disincentivize over-fertilizing through economic measures.

Industrial Solutions:

• Industries should focus on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are harmful components of smog and potent greenhouse gases.
• Wildfire prevention and improved forest management practices can help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from wildfires, which account for a significant portion of global NOx emissions.
• The development and adoption of new technologies to improve nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture, such as fertilizer granules planted close to plant roots, can help reduce nitrogen runoff.

Individual Actions:

• Individuals can reduce personal nitrogen pollution by properly managing lawn clippings and leaves, redirecting gutter downspouts to plant beds, and using compost or slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.
• Picking up pet waste and properly disposing of it can reduce nitrogen pollution in local waterways.
• Regularly inspect septic systems for leaks to prevent nitrogen pollution of local water sources.
• When possible, use commercial car washes instead of washing cars at home, as commercial car washes are required to properly dispose of wastewater.

Nitrogen pollution and human health

Nitrogen pollution has far-reaching consequences for human health. The release of large amounts of reactive nitrogen into the environment has caused a sequence of harmful effects, including ecosystem damage, eutrophication of water and soils, toxic algal blooms, and increases in greenhouse gas emissions. These environmental impacts have, in turn, led to various human health issues.

One of the most significant ways that nitrogen pollution affects human health is through water contamination. Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere can produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which can impair our ability to breathe and alter plant growth. When excess nitrogen returns to the earth, it can contaminate drinking water sources, including aquifers and surface waters. This contamination can lead to high nitrate levels in drinking water, which poses a recognized risk to human health. In 2015, Suffolk County in Long Island issued 'no contact' advisories for 14 lakes and ponds due to the threat of toxic blue-green algae, which is harmful to humans.

Nitrogen pollution also contributes to air pollution, which can have detrimental effects on human health. Nitrogen compounds in the air, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), can cause respiratory illnesses and exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma. Additionally, nitrogen pollution can lead to ozone depletion, which has been linked to increased mortality and respiratory morbidity rates.

The economic consequences of nitrogen pollution are also significant, with billions of dollars spent annually on treating human health maladies, purifying contaminated drinking water, and restoring impaired ecosystems.

Furthermore, nitrogen pollution can impact human health through its effects on food security. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and agricultural practices that result in nitrogen pollution can decrease nitrogen use efficiency, leading to decreased crop yields and contributing to food insecurity.

To protect human health and well-being, it is crucial to address nitrogen pollution through sustainable nitrogen management, improved agricultural practices, and reduced fossil fuel combustion.

Frequently asked questions