Nitrogen biogenic emission

Fig. 2.26 The biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. A ammonia synthesis (man-made N fixation), B oxidation of ammonia (indnstrial prodnction of nitric acid), C fertilizer application, D formation of NO due to high-temperature processes, E Oxidation of N2O within the stratosphere, F oxidation of NO within the troposphere, G ammonia deposition and transformation into ammonium, H biogenic emission, I biogenic N fixation, K denitrification, L nitrification, M assimilation (biogenic formation of amino adds), N mineralization. RNH2 organic bonded N (e. g. amines).

There are also significant natural sources of oxides of nitrogen, in particular nitric oxide, which is produced by biomass burning as well as by soils where nitrification, denitrification, and the decomposition of nitrite (N02) contribute to NO production. Figure 2.4b, for example, shows the relative emission rates for biogenically produced NO in the United States in 1990 (EPA, 1995). 

ENHANCED BIOGENIC SOIL EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN AND CARBON GASES A POSTFIRE EFFECT... 

A particularly important consequence of the release of gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere is the local acidification of the environment. Rainwater reaching Earth s surface has a pH of about 5.6 (it is lower than 7 because of the dissolved carbon dioxide). In some parts of North America, Europe, and even Asia, however, acidic rainwater of pH < 5.6 is quite widespread. This is believed to be due to the presence of acidic gases, particularly oxides of sulfur (SOjc) and oxides of nitrogen (NO ) in the atmosphere. The contribution of HCl, if any, is relatively minor. A biogenic contribution to acidification caused by emissions from volcanos or forest fires also exists, but is relatively small. 

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