The nitrogen cycle is an essential system in our world, without it, the living organisms on our planet would not exist. In the last century, the world’s understanding of the importance of nitrogen to the growth of crops has led to the development and widespread use of fertilizers which enrich the nitrogen content of the crops, causing increased crop yields. The addition of nitrogen to the environment, along with other various industries’ use of nitrogen has disrupted the balance of this element on the Earth. The positive results these industries achieve at the expense of adding nitrogen to the environment, may not be worth the health and environmental problems that come as a result of this exploitation of nitrogen.
The world’s agriculture production is limited by nitrogen, and as a result its use as a fertilizer has dramatically increased since its availability became widespread (Townsend et al., 2003). As of 2002, it was estimated that over half of all the inorganic nitrogen ever used on earth was applied in the past fifteen years (Townsend et al., 2003). It would come as no surprise to many then, that this extensive application of nitrogen has resulted in substantial changes to the earth’s environment. On the positive side, this increase of fertilizer use contributed to the green revolution and resulted in increased food production. This production has enabled the world to support a growing population, while also decreasing the incidences of starvation and malnutrition (Townsend et al., 2003). This benefit is felt most profoundly among the developing nations where lack of food was, and still is, a serious problem for these nations’ people. By increasing their agriculture production, their health has improved as a result and better nutritional content has strengthened their immune disease allowing it to fight diseases with more success and normality. This use of nitrogen enhancing fertilizers has improved the public health of their populations, a benefit that must not be overlooked when analyzing the benefits and ill consequences of introducing more nitrogen into the environment.
The increased food production has been beneficial to many, but the effect that increased nitrogen is having on the environment is important to recognize. In coastal water environments, eutrophication occurs leading to harmful algal blooms, dead zones, and reef degradation. On land, the increase in tropospheric ozone can cause extensive crop damage, soil can become less fertile as a result of acidification, and increase the risk of agricultural diseases and pests (Townsend et al., 2003). All of these consequences can severely impact the world’s resources and ability to support the population if they are not properly monitored and maintained in the future.
The direct impact of nitrogen increases on our human health are many. The two common means by which nitrogen ingestion occurs are air pollution and water pollution that have increased nitrates (Townsend et al., 2003). Increased nitrates causing air pollution can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, decreased lung function, and in some cases death (Levy, 2003). Some studies also show that nitrogen oxides can oxidize to form nitric acid which in turn can react with ammonium to form ammonium nitrate particles. These particles can cause respiratory as well as cardiovascular problems (Levy 2003). Another health complication that occurs as a result of air pollution by nitrates in increased pollen production by plants. This increase exacerbates the allergies already suffered by millions of people each year (Townsend et al., 2003). As one can see, air pollution can cause many health problems and should be reduced as much as possible to help curb the effects that increases in nitrogen in the atmosphere can have on people.
Not only does air pollution by way of nitrogen increases pose a significant problem for human health, but water pollution does as well. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause reproductive problems, methemoglobinemia (or blue-baby syndrome), and cancer (Townsend et al., 2003). Many of the world’s water resources are polluted and people do not have the ability to cleanse their water effectively which leads to the adverse effects that nitrogen poses to drinking water sanitation. Water sources need to be better cleaned so that populations around the world do not have to endure the negative effects that nitrogen pollution can have on their health.
The addition of more nitrogen into the world has led to paradoxical effects. On the one hand, developing nations have been able to better feed their people, while on the other, adverse effects on the environment and on human health have been identified. Rather then blindly continue the use of fertilizers and other activities that release nitrogen into the atmosphere, we should begin to calculate the consequences of those actions. A more balanced approach should be taken when it comes to using nitrogen. Its benefits are significant and should be maintained, but not to the extent that they cause irreversible damage to the environment. There should be more awareness and studies conducted regarding the impact of increased nitrogen exposure to the world so that we as a society can better manage the release of this life sustaining element.
References:
Levy, J. (2003). Health effects of atmospheric nitrogen emissions. Environment, 45(7), 14.
Townsend, A.R., Howarth, R.W., Bazzaz, F.A., Booth, M.S., Cleveland, C.C., Collinge,
S.K.,…Wolfe, A.H. (2003). Human health effects of a changing global nitrogen
cycle. Front Ecol Environ, 1(5), 240-246.
S.K.,…Wolfe, A.H. (2003). Human health effects of a changing global nitrogen
cycle. Front Ecol Environ, 1(5), 240-246.
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