Pollutants

Identify the pollutant.

Nitrogen oxides are a category of toxic, extremely volatile gases that greatly impact environmental pollution.

How the pollutant is produced and its uses

These gasses are produced when elevated-temperature fuels are burnt. Motorists, lorries, and nonvehicles (e.g., excavation machinery, yachts, etc.) create NOx emissions, as do manufacturing producers such as hydropower stations, industrial heaters, concrete mills, and turbines. NOx is frequently seen as a brownish vapor. It is a powerful oxidative element that contributes significantly to the environmental reactions with reactive organic substances that form smog in warm summertime. When oxygen and nitrogen react at elevated temperatures in the environment, NO and NO2 are produced. Automobile and vehicle exhaust fumes and outputs from industrial stations are key producers of nitrogen oxides. Although automotive emissions contain greater NO over NO2, when discharged into the environment, the NO rapidly reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to generate NO2.

Its uses.

Whereas nitrogen oxides have a bad reputation as polluters, they are ultimately useful in various industrial operations. Nitrogen oxide is produced on a big basis and is then utilized to produce nitric acid (HNO3). Pharmacists mix ammonium (NH3) together with oxygen (O2) to produce nitric oxide for commercial application, producing water (H2O) as a result. Nitric acid-derived nitrogen molecules are utilized to make industrial fertilizers, explosive devices, and other valuable molecules (Nitric oxide, 2018).

Explain how the pollutant is introduced and transferred throughout the environment.

The volume of nitrogen oxides discharged into the environment as air pollutants can be enormous in regions with substantial motorized vehicle traffic, especially in a major metropolis. It is introduced to the environment from the emissions of automobiles and as a result of industrials wastes such as power stations.

Discuss the negative effects the pollutant has on the environment

Acidic rain is one of the most visible effects of high nitrogen oxides in the environment. These reagents combine when industrial operations, automobiles, and generators emit NOx and SO2 into the atmosphere. These biochemical compounds return to the ground in an acidic and caustic state, with a pH of roughly four on the magnitude. This acidic rain falls into pools of water, frequently extracting aluminum from clay soil as it penetrates. Aluminum and acidity injure fishes and aquatic plants, reducing the hatching possibilities of fish eggs.  Aluminum is extracted from clay on earth and is equally harmful to vegetation and creatures.

Provide two examples of the negative effects of the pollutant on the environment discussed in two peer-reviewed research articles.

The term NOx refers to the nitrogen oxides, i.e., NO and NO2. NOx is also accountable for air pollution, which causes smog, and the usual brownish cloud surrounding bigger towns which causes unhealthy air conditions (Brandstein & Beaudry, 2021).

Excessive accumulation of NOx in the water bodies causes eutrophication. The primary ecological implications of eutrophication are an elevation of suspended particulates caused by large macroalgal blooming, a loss in water quality, and an elevation in rainfall rates, which has resulted in the degradation of coastal habitats due to shade of submerged plants (Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Why and How They Are Controlled, n.d.).

Discuss how the negative effects of the pollutant on the environmental impact humans.

Inhaling air containing a high quantity of NO2 can aggravate the individual pulmonary system’s airway. Short-term subjection can exacerbate pulmonary disorders, notably asthmatic, resulting in respiratory problems (such as sneezing or difficulties while breathing), hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. Prolonged NO2 subjection may lead to the development of asthma and perhaps enhance vulnerability to pulmonary diseases.  Individuals with respiratory problems and young kids and seniors are normally at higher danger for the medical impacts of NO2.

References

Ben Brandstein, & Frederic Beaudry. (2021). How does nitrogen oxide pollution affect the environment? Treehugger. https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-1204135

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Why and How They Are Controlled. (n.d.). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | US EPA. https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/catc/dir1/fnoxdoc.pdf

Nitric oxide. (2018). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/nitric-oxide