The Effects of Nitrogen Oxide on the Ecosystem

The nitrogen oxides include several types of gases with varying amounts of nitrogen and oxygen in each. The two most important nitrogen oxides are nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), both of which are classified as greenhouse gases by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The greenhouse effect absorbs certain types of long-wave radiation, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life. Some scientists believe that an excess of greenhouse gases are increasing the temperature of the planet too much, resulting in the phenomenon of global warming.

Ozone

• Di-nitrogen oxide, or nitrous oxide, is commonly called laughing gas. It has been used medically, primarily by dentists, to reduce pain during minor surgical procedures. It is produced primarily through agricultural procedures and power generation, along with naturally occurring chemical processes in soil and water. It is one of the substances that depletes the earth's protective ozone layer. The ozone layer prevents harmful radiation from reaching Earth. Though nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere in much smaller quantities than most other greenhouse gases, it has a dramatically greater effect than most and takes longer to dissipate.

Lung Damage

• High levels of exposure to nitrogen oxides can cause damage to lung tissue in man and animals. In smaller concentrations, it can lower resistance to various respiratory infections. Most excess nitrogen oxides are produced through the burning of oil, gas and coal, which is why respiratory problems tend to be more common in heavily industrialized areas and where there is a great deal of automobile traffic.

Growth Depressant

• Oxides of nitrogen can bleach out the leaves of plants and retard the growth of plants overall in sufficient concentrations. When the growth of plants is retarded, it slows the production of oxygen, which can compound the respiratory problems that some people and animals develop when exposed to nitrogen oxides independently.

Acid Rain

• Acid rain is one of the primary products of the excess of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. By increasing the acidity of soil and water, the growth of plants and animals can be stunted and health problems develop. Related to acid rain is the phenomenon of eutrophication nitrogen oxides can cause in coastal waters. Eutrophication causes a sudden increase in plant nutrients, squeezing out oxygen supplies and damaging fish and other animal life. This has sometimes been a problem in the Chesapeake Bay.