Nitrogen lightning production

How does nature s manufacturing of fixed nitrogen compare with commercial production of fixed nitrogen Lightning may seem uncommon, but it is estimated that there are approximately... 

When N2 and O2 molecules collide near a bolt of lightning, they can absorb enough electrical energy to produce molecules of NO. An NO molecule is quite reactive because it contains one unpaired electron. NO reacts readily with O2 to form nitrogen dioxide, NO2. Most NO2 dissolves in rainwater and falls to the earth s surface. Bacterial enzymes reduce the nitrogen in a series of reactions in which amino acids and proteins are produced. These are then used by plants, eaten by animals, and metabolized. The metabolic products are excreted as nitrogenous compounds such as urea, (NH2)2CO, and ammonium salts such as NaNH HPO. These can also be enzymatically converted to ammonia, NH3, and amino acids. 

In the troposphere, the production of ozone results from the day-time oxidation of methane, nonmethane hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide in the presence of nitrogen oxides. Under natural conditions, methane, produced in oxygen-deficient environments, is released primarily by wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Nonmethane hydrocarbons, such as isoprene and terpenes, are emitted by various types of trees. Nitric oxide is released by soils as a result of microbial activity and is produced in the atmosphere by lightning in thunderstorm systems. 

Small amounts of nitrogen dioxide are present naturally in the atmosphere as the result of lightning strikes, volcanic action, forest fires, and bacterial action on dead plants and animals. Much larger amounts are present because of human activities, primarily the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum products. 

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