Nitrogen Compounds and their Impact: Understanding Nitrate Pollution, Causing Dead Zones, and Potential Solutions
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have synthesised a new catalyst, oxo-containing molybdenum sulfide, which could revolutionise approaches to tackling nitrogen pollution issues. This catalyst boasts an active site similar to the nitrate reductase enzyme used by microorganisms, making it a potential game-changer in the realm of wastewater treatment.
Nitrogen, an essential element for the synthesis of proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll in living organisms, is often found in the form of nitrate. However, excessive nitrate can directly harm human health, potentially contributing to thyroid disorders, breast cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.
In 2020, the team of researchers successfully developed oxo-containing molybdenum sulfide, a catalyst that efficiently converts nitrate to nitrite. This conversion is significant for wastewater treatment, as microorganisms used in this process cannot survive in waters with high nitrogen concentrations. Converting nitrate to nitrite through the use of this catalyst could help mitigate the negative effects of nitrogen pollution.
The discovery of oxo-containing molybdenum sulfide could contribute to the development of more efficient wastewater treatment methods. While this discovery does not eliminate all the harm caused by nitrogen pollution, it is a significant step forward.
Nitrogen surplus from synthetic fertilizers and manure is a major contributor to nitrogen emissions into the soil, particularly in states with intensive agricultural practices, such as Germany and other large EU agricultural producers. Abiotic factors like lightning can produce nitrogen compounds, but this amount is insufficient to support all life. Overuse of ammonia-containing fertilizers by farmers leads to the production of nitrite in soil.
Possible measures to reduce nitrogen emissions include stricter EU fertilization regulations, precision fertilization techniques, reforms in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to promote environmentally friendly farming practices, improving nitrogen management, and adopting biological innovations such as crops that produce their own biofertilizers.
Other strategies to combat nitrogen pollution include the use of filter strips (areas of grass or permanent vegetation) to prevent surface waters from being polluted with nitrogen. If utilised, this catalyst could potentially aid in the treatment of nitrogen-rich wastewater, contributing to cleaner waterways and a healthier environment.
However, it is important to note that nitrite can be converted back to nitrate by other microorganisms, which can easily mix with groundwater due to its chemical properties. When groundwater reaches the oceans, it carries the nitrate, leading to a bloom in the population of cyanobacteria and algae. This bloom can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, further emphasising the importance of addressing nitrogen pollution at its source.
In conclusion, the development of oxo-containing molybdenum sulfide offers a promising new approach to addressing nitrogen pollution issues. While this is just one piece of the puzzle, it represents a significant step forward in the quest for cleaner water and a healthier planet.
