Consider the following statements regarding nitrogen pollution:1. Its ...
Consider the following statements regarding nitrogen pol
- Nitrogen pollution is the term used to describe the harm that excess nitrogen and nitrogen compounds, such as nitrous oxides, nitrogen oxide, and ammonia, do to the environment, wildlife, and human health.
- It is usually caused due to various reasons as emissions from chemical fertilizers, livestock-rearing, manure-making, and burning of fossil fuels. The overuse of nitrogen fertilizer leads to nitrogen losses from the soil through volatilization, denitrification, leaching to groundwater, and surface runoff and erosion. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Such excess nitrogen from the fertilizers (in the form of agricultural runoff), can reach the water bodies. In this, the nitrogen is taken up by algae which then grows abundantly to cause eutrophication. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- The maximum limit of nitrate in drinking water is 50 ppm. Excess nitrate in drinking water can cause diseases such as methemoglobinemia (‘blue baby’ syndrome). Hence, statement 1 is correct
- Infant methemoglobinemia is also called “blue baby syndrome.” It is a condition where a baby's skin turns blue. This happens when there is not enough oxygen in the blood. Parents should immediately contact a physician if the baby's skin is unusually bluish in color.tion:
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Consider the following statements regarding nitrogen pollution:1. Its ...
Explanation:
1. Blue baby syndrome:
- Blue baby syndrome is caused by the contamination of drinking water with nitrates, which are derived from nitrogen pollution.
- Infants who consume water with high nitrate levels can develop methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, resulting in a bluish tint to the skin.
2. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers:
- Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture contributes significantly to nitrogen pollution.
- When farmers use more fertilizers than plants can absorb, the excess nitrogen can leach into groundwater or runoff into water bodies, leading to various environmental issues.
3. Eutrophication:
- Runoff of nitrogen from agricultural fields into water bodies can cause eutrophication.
- Eutrophication is the process where excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, stimulate the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, leading to oxygen depletion and harmful algal blooms.
Therefore, all three statements are correct in relation to nitrogen pollution. Blue baby syndrome is linked to nitrate contamination, excessive nitrogen fertilizer use contributes to pollution, and runoff of nitrogen can lead to eutrophication in water bodies.