Hi everyone!
I will continue my series about greenhouse gasses with Nitrogen Compounds. And I will probably throw in a few words about smog to.
NOx is actually two gasses, NO and NO2. They are created as a by-product in combustion processes, were N2 (the main substance in air) reacts with oxygen. This produces NO, which quickly react to NO2. As you can see, both are very reactive, and therefore have a high turnover rate in the atmosphere. So why are they a problem? As climate gasses go, they are much more potent then carbon dioxide, 310 times more to be exact. But why don’t we focus on nitrogen compounds then? Simply because the amount make the poison. Carbon dioxide is released in vast quantities, many times more then nitrous compounds.
Because of their reactive nature, NOx have more local and regional effects rather then global. NO2 reacts with water in the atmosphere to nitric acid (HNO3) which causes acid rain. This was a huge topic of discussion in the 70s, but is not discussed that much today. Eutrophication on the other hand, that is discussed a bit more. When you are buying fertilizer, you are basically buying a mixture of chemicals, nitrate being one of the more important. However, this is not the biggest impact NOx have, smog is far worse.
If you live in a big city, chances are that you have run into smog. Smog is a by-product of photochemical oxidation of carbon compounds. The red-brown colour you often see comes from NO2. And it plays a big part in the creation of groundside ozone.
So what can you do about it? Well, not a lot, to tell the truth. The best way to reduce your own NO2 emissions is to take the bike instead of combustion based transportation, ie. cars, bus or anything involving oil. Otherwise, the same way to reduce carbon dioxide applies. If you have to drive, be sure to check the cars 3-way catalytic converter from time to time. Don’t do this yourself; be sure to have it checked while the car is getting its annual service. WARNING! DON’T touch the converter while the motor is running. The converter has a working temperature between 400 – 800 degrees Celsius. A 3-way catalyctic converter reduces the NO2 emissions by 90% if it is working, but when the motor is cold the catalyst don’t work. Use a motor heater. And if you buy an older car, be sure it have a catalytic converter.
Well, I guess that is all for today. I’ll be back soon, and remember to Commute Greener!
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Fredrik
Hello..I’ve been reading your blog post and it seems to me that this blog is interesting..because the content were really great!! I have found out how does actually Nitrogen Oxide really works..thanks for this very informative blog post!!
I’m glad you liked the blog post. It is always nice to read positive responses.