Context:
Recent research found that by 2050, 1/3rd of global river sub-basins will be facing severe scarcity of clean water due to nitrogen pollution.
Nitrogen Pollution:
- Refers to the presence of excessive amounts of nitrogen compounds into the environment, leading to various negative effects on ecosystems and human health
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reported that 200 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen, comprising 80% of the total, escape into the environment every year
- The escalating use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, which globally doubled between 1978 and 2014, stands out as a significant contributor to nitrogen pollution.
- Currently, the quantity of reactive nitrogen generated by human activities surpasses that produced through natural processes.
Sources, Benefits and Effects of different nitrogen compounds:
| Nitrogen Compound | Source | Benefits | Effects |
| Nitrous Oxide (N2O) | Combustion Agriculture and Industrial wastes | Used in propellants of rockets Used in medical industry – eg: Laughing gas | 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide Causes depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer |
| Di – Nitrogen (N2) | Makes up about 78% of the air we breathe | Maintains a stable atmosphere for life on Earth | chemically unreactive but Harmless |
| Ammonia (NH3) | Manure Urine Fertilizers Burning of biomass | In fertilizers – foundation for amino acids, proteins, enzymes etc | Causes eutrophicationAffects biodiversity Forms particulate matter in the air Affecting health by causing shortness of breath Affecting lung functions |
| Nitrate (NO3) | Industrial wastewater Agriculture waste Oxidation of NOx | Used in fertilisers and explosives | Forms particulate matter in the air Causes blue baby syndrome Leads to eutrophication in water bodies |
| Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide | Transport combustion Industrial waste Energy sector wastes and combustion | Essential in human physiology (NO) | Major air pollutant Contributes to heart disease Causes respiratory illness |
Related Government Initiatives:
- Bharat Stage (BS VI) Emission Standards –To curb the release of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, to air and water pollution
- Soil Health Cards – Issued to farmers to provide soil nutrient status and promote balanced nutrient
- Nano Urea – Increases crop productivity by reducing the unbalanced and indiscriminate use of conventional urea
- Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) – Incentivizes the use of controlled-release fertilizers encouraging more efficient nutrient management
Read more about: Nitrogen gas, Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Regime
Source: Economics Times
Previous year Question
Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?
1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Burning of coal produces Oxides of Carbon ,Sulphur ,Nitrogen and a variety of by products, including fly-ash, flue gas and scrubber sludge but it does not directly add nitrogen to the soil.
