Table of Contents
- 1 How nitrogen compounds are formed?
- 2 What causes an increase in nitrogen?
- 3 How are nitrogen containing compounds formed in the environment?
- 4 How does the body get rid of excess nitrogen?
- 5 What causes TKN to decompose at high temperature?
- 6 Why do oxygen and nitrogen not react at ambient temperature?
How nitrogen compounds are formed?
Nitrogen forms many thousands of organic compounds. Nitro compounds are obtained from the reaction (called nitration) between nitric acid and an organic compound. Nitrites are derived from nitrous acid (HNO2). Nitroso compounds are obtained by the action of nitrous acid on an organic compound.
What causes an increase in nitrogen?
Many human activities have a significant impact on the nitrogen cycle. Burning fossil fuels, application of nitrogen-based fertilizers, and other activities can dramatically increase the amount of biologically available nitrogen in an ecosystem.
Where is the increase in nitrogen coming from?
Fossil Fuels: Electric power generation, industry, transportation and agriculture have increased the amount of nitrogen in the air through use of fossil fuels.
How are nitrogen containing compounds formed in the environment?
I.D Organic Nitrogen and Aerosol Nitrogen Compounds Some of these compounds are directly emitted into the atmosphere from industrial emissions. Secondary products, formed from in situ atmospheric photochemical reactions, include the alkyl nitrates, peroxyacyl nitrate, and many other compounds.
How does the body get rid of excess nitrogen?
It is highly toxic and cannot be allowed to accumulate in the body. Excess ammonia is converted to urea. Urea and water are released from the liver cells in to the bloodstream and transported to the kidneys where the blood is filtered and the urea is passed out of the body in the urine.
How is the formation rate of nitrogen related to temperature?
The formation rate is primarily a function of temperature and the residence time of nitrogen at that temperature. At high temperatures, usually above 1600 °C (2900 °F), molecular nitrogen (N 2) and oxygen (O 2) in the combustion air disassociate into their atomic states and participate in a series of reactions.
What causes TKN to decompose at high temperature?
Inorganic species can also cause problems with TKN digestion. These however are more easily addressed. High amounts of dissolved inorganic salts may cause the digestion temperature to exceed 400°C. At this temperature the heat can cause the nitrogen compounds to decompose and release nitrogen gas directly.
Why do oxygen and nitrogen not react at ambient temperature?
Because of energy limitations, oxygen and nitrogen do not react at ambient temperatures. But at high temperatures, they undergo an endothermic reaction producing various oxides of nitrogen.
Which is more at risk for nitrogen contamination?
Since nitrogen contamination is more of a problem in shallow aquifers, it is worthwhile to be aware of what aquifers in the United States would be more at risk for nitrogen contamination. Developed for a USGS study, the map below shows those areas with the highest risk for contamination of shallow groundwater by nitrate.