Human impact on nitrogen cycle , Biology

Assignment Help:

Human Impact on Nitrogen Cycle

Human activities are profoundly affecting the cycling of nitrogen in nature. Over 30 x 106 metric tons/yr. of N2 is fixed in the commercial production of fertilisers, an amount almost equal to that fixed biologically. The use of N2 fertilisers affect the distribution of N2 on earth. Much of the nitrogen in the harvested crops becomes animal and human waste in sewage waters and eventually enters the aquatic ecosystem through runoff and leaching. Nitrogenous compounds leached into the groundwater may be abundant in irrigation and drinking water where they can cause serious health hazards. Nitrogenous compounds entering the lakes have fertilising effect resulting in algal blooms and promote cultural eutrophication.

Excessive growth of phytoplankton in eutrophic lakes produces huge quantities of biomass and finally collapse due to nutrient exhaustion. The dead organisms are consumed by detrivores which use up the oxygen supply. This problem of cultural eutrophication is, however, more severe in the case of phosphorus additions rather than nitrogen. When fossil fuels are burned we add nitrogenous compounds to the air. Large quantities of nitrogen oxide (NO) are released from vehicles and most of the NU is converted to NO2 by combining with ozone (O3) in the atmosphere. NO2 is a toxic gas for 6umans and a cause of smog. It combines with water to form nitric acid, HNO3, which forms 30% of the strong acids in the acid rain.


Related Discussions:- Human impact on nitrogen cycle

What are the advantages of grains, What are the Advantages of Grains D...

What are the Advantages of Grains Diabetics should have more grains, beans and starchy vegetables every day. Whole-\ grain foods are nutritious and high in fiber, such as whol

Explain about the smoking - methods of food processing, Explain about the S...

Explain about the Smoking - methods of food processing? Smoking was known as a method of food preservation at an early date. Foods are exposed to smokes by burning some special

Name the classes of biomaterials, Explain the classes of biomaterials W...

Explain the classes of biomaterials When an artificial material is placed in the human body, tissue reacts in a variety of ways depending on the material type thereby, affectin

What is resection and primary end to end anastomosis, What is Resection and...

What is Resection and Primary End to End Anastomosis ? For neonates and infants the best operation is resection of coarctation and primary end-to-end anastomosis. With the baby

What is prophylaxis, What is prophylaxis? Prophylaxis are measures take...

What is prophylaxis? Prophylaxis are measures taken to stop diseases. For instance, the use of condoms in sexual relations is a prophylaxis against contamination by agents that

Modalities available for sterilization, Modalities Available for Sterilizat...

Modalities Available for Sterilization The most accepted methods of sterilization can be classified as follows: Physical Agents: These comprise of: Sunlight Drying

Synthesis of triacylglycerols , Triacylglycerols are synthesized from fatty...

Triacylglycerols are synthesized from fatty acyl CoAs and glycerol 3-phosphate.The   glycolytic   intermediate   dihydroxyacetone phosphate   is   first reduces   to glycerol   3-p

Define quest of nutrition required for excercise, Define quest of nutrition...

Define quest of nutrition as sports nutrition as a discipline? Although the quest of nutrition as applied to exercise and sports dates back to ancient civilizations and importa

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd