NITROGEN POLLUTION

 Nitrogen (N), non metallic element of Group 15 [VA] of the periodic

table. It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is the most plentiful
element in Earth’s atmosphere and is a constituent of all living matter.
Nitrogen pollution refers to the damages caused to the environment,
wildlife, and people’s health as a result of excess Nitrogen and Nitrogen
compounds such as nitrous oxides, nitrogen oxide, and ammonia in the
natural environment. Nitrogen pollution is a big problem. It’s widespread
and costly to rectify. Excess nitrogen can enter water and atmospheric
systems from a variety of sources and cause great harm. Nitrogen is a
natural component of water and air environments in fact nitrogen is the
biggest component of the air we breathe forming 78%.oxygen forms 21%
and other gases make up the remaining 1%,in water nitrogen is essential
for normal growth of algae and aquatic plants. Pollution is one place can
create adverse impacts thousands of miles away. Streams, oceans, rivers,
estuaries, coastal water, seas are all vulnerable. Other than air pollution,
nitrogen is also linked to the loss of biodiversity, the pollution of rivers
and seas, ozone depletion, health, economy, and livelihoods. India
had become the third country/entity after the United States and the
European Union to have assessed the environmental impact of
nitrogen on their respective regions comprehensively. The INA shows
that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution in India. Within
agriculture, cereals pollute the most.
otrient pollution is a big problem. It's widespread and costly to rectify. Excess nitrogen can enter water

Some of the problems due to nitrogen pollution,

Acid rain -During precipitation, the presence of Sulphur oxide and excess
nitrogen oxides compounds react with oxygen molecules and other
chemicals in the atmosphere that eventually leads to acid rain. Nitric acid
rain causes damages to livestock, plants, and aquatic plantations and
animals as well as infrastructure.

Abnormal growth of algae on water bodies -Nitrogen pollution often results

in Eutrophication – the abnormal growth of algae on water bodies. Algae
produce harmful neurotoxins that are harmful to livestock, aquatic animals,
and humans.

 Loss in the tourism industry-Activities such as recreational fishing, deep-

sea diving, enjoying an aesthetic quality of nature, and other boat activities
that would be a main tourist attraction for the aquamarine are hampered
due to the effects of nitrogen pollution.

Groundwater pollution-High traces of nitrogen are present in underground

water caused by infiltration from the soil due to water runoffs.

The decrease in biodiversity levels-the ecosystem is at a high exposure to

nutrient pollution, hence a serious challenge to the conservation of plants
and animal species. When nutrient nitrogen exceeds, wildlife, livestock, as
well as plants, are exposed to pollutants that deteriorate their lifecycle and
alter the food web

Leads to photochemical smog

Solutions
Frequent water monitoring-Maintaining a proactive routine check-up of
the quality of water may help detect any unusual nutrient level. As a result,
it will help moderate nutrient pollution before it gets out of hand.
Water aeration channels-Aeration in water bodies such as waterfalls
creates a surface movement that prevents stagnant water which favours
attachment and growth of algae. An increase in oxygen through aeration
helps the growth of aerobic bacteria which competes with the algae
growth, eventually slowing it down.
Use of safe herbicides- With various high nitrogen content herbicides
present in the market, the algae crisis cannot be easily controlled. As such,
much safer herbicides with low nitrogen concentration need to be
introduced and continuously used to address the situation.
Establish beneficial buffer-Planting deep-rooted vegetation along with
water bodies; help create a buffer to prevent trash and unwanted nutrients
flowing into water runoffs. This prevents the growth of algae as well as
reducing water pollution by creating barriers that control infiltration.
Biological augmentation-This refers to the process of adding beneficial
bacteria to the water bodies. It helps reduce algae food source and also
helps to improve water clarity, by breaking down waste from fish, and
decomposed plantations hence purifying the water.
Reduce excess use of synthetic fertilizers-Using phosphorus-free fertilizers
can attribute greatly to a reduction of nitrogen pollution in the world’s
ecosystem. Correctly using fertilizers by only applying it in periods where
there is less rainfall and when it is needed can effectively reduce
water runoffs and infiltration of nitrates underground.
Control of sewer systems-Sewage should not only be dumped far from
water bodies but also treated for nutrients and contaminants removal
before dumping, especially if it is to be discharged into water systems.