Nitrogen in Chemical Fertilizers

Nitrogen is a chemical that we breathe every day. According to iNitrogen, 80 percent of every breath is made up of Nitrogen. Nitrogen has two states: inert and reactive. It must be converted to its reactive state before plants, animals and humans can use it. In the early 1900s, chemists figured out how to turn inert nitrogen into reactive nitrogen, in the form of ammonia. About 30 years later, synthetic nitrogen was created for use in fertilizer.

Waterborne Nitrogen

Reactive nitrogen runoff causes dead zones in oceans and waterways. Life is extremely diminished in dead zones. The dead zones cause algal blooms, which further depletes oxygen. Once oxygen in the waterways is depleted, marine life begins to die. There is an 8,000-mile dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, because of contaminated watershed from the Mississippi River. Red tides, common of the coast of west-central Florida, are a symptom of the dead zone. Visitors are banned from swimming during red tides.

Ground-Level Ozone

Nitrogen oxides react with organic compounds that evaporate quickly. The reaction forms "ground-level ozone," commonly known as smog. Smog reduces lung function and damages lung tissue. Smog also reduces crop yields and damages forests, as it inhibits breathing for humans, animals and plants.

Air Pollution

Once nitrogen reacts with ammonia, other forms of moisture in the air, and other compounds, it forms ammonium nitrate. These particles also damage lung tissue and might cause premature death in some people. The compound also exacerbates bronchitis, emphysema, and aggravates heart disease.

Acid Rain

Nitrogen oxides also contribute to the acid rain problem. Acid rain damages fisheries, buildings and structures, cars, and water supplies.

Change of Climate

Over time, the release of nitrogen in the air and watershed changes the climate. Nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, is 300 time more potent than carbon dioxide, according to iNitrogen.

Agriculture

The agriculture industry is responsible for causing about 80 percent of Nitrous oxide via livestock operations and fertilized fields.