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NOx Pollutants

NOx is the common named for the environmental pollutants nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide. At high temperatures, nitrogen and oxygen react to create the pollutants. Together, NO and NO2 contribute to the creation of smog and acid rain as well as the formation of ozone. There are several places where NOx pollutants can be found and created.

  1. Internal Combustion Engines

    • One of the most common ways NOx is created is in the combustion of gasoline or diesel fuel in automobiles. The interaction of nitrogen and air in the engine creates the pollutant which exits through the automobiles exhaust. Scientists have worked to develop catalysts to help decrease the emission of NOx in automobiles.

    Natural Sources

    • During large thunderstorms, the extreme heat caused by lightning strikes can lead to the splitting of nitrogen atoms and the formation of NO and NO2. This is directly related to the creation of the pollutant acid rain. Acid rain can impact fish and wildlife and cause deterioration of stone buildings.

    Power Plants

    • Just as the high temperatures of an internal combustion engine can cause the creation of NOx, so can the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas in the production of electricity. When the fuels are burned, the molecules split to create NO and NO2.

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