Negative Environmental Effects

The nitrogen-rich compounds found in fertilizer runoff is the primary cause of a serious depletion of oxygen in many parts of the ocean, especially in coastal zones the resulting lack of dissolved oxygen is greatly reducing the ability of these areas to sustain oceanic faima. 

Nitrogen-containing inorganic and organic fertilizers can cause soil acidification. This may lead to decrease in nutrient availability. 

The concentration of up to 100 mg/kg of cadmium in phosphate minerals increases the contamination of soil with cadmium. Steel industry wastes, recycled into fertilizers for their high levels of zinc (essential to plant growth), can include the toxic metals lead, arsenic and cadmium. The most common toxic elements in this type of fertilizer are mercury, lead, and arsenic. 

Uranium is another example of a contaminant often found in phosphate fertilizers. Also, highly radioactive Polonium-210 contained in phosphate fertilizers is absorbed by the roots of plants and stored in its tissues tobacco derived from plants fertilized by rock phosphates contains Polonium-210 which emits alpha radiation estimated to cause lung cancer. 

Methane emissions from crop fields (notably rice paddy fields) are increased by the application of ammonium-based fertilizers these emissions contribute 

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Possible negative environmental effects of fertilizer use are the subject of iatensive evaluation and much discussion. The foUowiag negative effects of fertilizer usage have been variously suggested (113) a deterioration of food quaUty the destmction of natural soil fertility the promotion of gastroiatestiaal cancer the pollution of ground and surface water and contributions toward the destmction of the ozone layer ia the stratosphere. 

Although NH3 is not one of the greenhouse gases, NHs-emissions cause negative environmental effects through soil acidification and uncontrolled nitrogen re-circulation. The latter is due to ammonia losses from organic and mineral fertilisers and re-import from the atmosphere to soil by precipitation. 

The advent of PTC had a positive impact on the need to eliminate some hazardous solvents and reagents from the laboratory and industrial practice. However, many PTC reactions still involve the use of volatile organic solvents, which are partly discharged into the atmosphere with a host of negative environmental effects. Replacement of these solvents with reaction media such as water. 

The foundry industry is a major player in the recycling of metals. Steel, cast iron and alirminiirm scrap can all be remelted into new products. The possible negative environmental effects of foundries result from the presence of a thermal process and the use of mineral additives. The environmental effects of a foimdry process therefore mainly relate to the exhaust and off-gases and to the re-use or disposal of mineral residues. 

Harmful properties of substances used in the environment cannot be predicted in each case, their use must be continuously monitored to detect possible negative effects. Last, but not least a suspected or even a real negative environmental effect does not automatically void the benefits of the substance. Advantages and risks, costs and benefits must be assessed objectively 1.2). The history of DDT reconfirms the fact that risks cannot be excluded from human life, they can only be exchanged. In the meantime, dioxins (—> 4.5) have taken the position of DDT as the number one public concern. 

Increasing public awareness of the negative environmental effects of synthetic materials together with ever-stricter regulations, have boosted the growth of environmen-tally-friendly industries which produce "green" products [1]. 

The abundance, affordability and versatility of petroleum permitted the remarkable growth of the chemical industry and the introduction of entirely new chemicals and derivative products. It was not until the late 1960 s and 1970 s that some of the negative environmental effects associated with chemical manufacturing... 

Preservation of hydrotest fluids. The use of biocides in hydrotests presents some unique challenges to the oilfield service companies. They have to balance the need to protect the pipeline from microbial attack, while also being concerned about the potential of negative environmental effects that may arise for a spill or discharge of biocide-containing water. The choice of a hydrotest biocide depends mainly upon the length of time the water will be kept in the pipe, the environmental fate profile of the biocide, and also whether the biocide can be easily deactivated. The most commonly used biocides in hydrotests are glutaraldehyde, THPS, and quaternary ammonium compounds. 

The GSI results reveal that paper bags have approximately 245% more negative environmental effects than HDPE plastic bags. 

Many of these chemical additives have been found to have negative environmental effects and have been, or are currently being, phased out. Others, however, are considered relatively safe and will continue to be used and needed for many years into the future. However, the production of many of these rubber chemicals has shifted away from the United States to Asia. 

Current available technologies allow for significant minimization of many negative environmental effects caused by landfills. Activities that allow this goal to be achieved can be realized... 

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