Nitrogen Deposition Effects of Ammonia : Nitrogen Deposition Effects of Ammonia Ammonia Workshop
National Atmospheric Deposition Program
October 22-24, 2003
Washington, DC
USA
Contrasting NOx and NH3 : Contrasting NOx and NH3 Historical focus on NOx
Growing focus on NH3
Similarities
Both have point and mobile sources
Both, once emitted can be converted to any other N species
Both contribute to all the N-related impacts.
Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 : Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 Unreactive N is N2 (78% of earth’s atmosphere)
Reactive N (Nr) includes all biologically, chemically and physically active N compounds in the atmosphere and biosphere of the Earth
N controls productivity of most natural ecosystems
Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 : Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 Unreactive N is N2 (78% of earth’s atmosphere)
Reactive N (Nr) includes all biologically, chemically and physically active N compounds in the atmosphere and biosphere of the Earth
N controls productivity of most natural ecosystems
Nature converts N2 to Nr by biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).
Humans convert N2 to Nr by fossil fuel combustion, the Haber Bosch process, and cultivation-induced BNF.
Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 : Reactive N vs Unreactive N2 Unreactive N is N2 (78% of earth’s atmosphere)
Reactive N (Nr) includes all biologically, chemically and physically active N compounds in the atmosphere and biosphere of the Earth
N controls productivity of most natural ecosystems
Nature converts N2 to Nr by biological nitrogen fixation (BNF)
Humans convert N2 to Nr by fossil fuel combustion, the Haber Bosch process, and cultivation-induced BNF.
Primary Conclusions
Humans create more Nr than do natural terrestrial processes.
Nr is accumulating in the environment.
Nr accumulation contributes to most environment issues of the day.
NHx and its conversion products are key components.
Objectives : Objectives Contrasting NOx and NH3
Human Alteration of N Cycle
An agrarian to an industrializing world
The Consequences of Anthropogenic Nitrogen (including NH3).
Nitrogen is nutritious
Nitrogen cascades
Challenges!
The History of Nitrogen --N becomes limiting?-- : The History of Nitrogen --N becomes limiting?-- Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002; Galloway et al., 2003a N-Nutrient N-Discovered BNF
The History of Nitrogen --N becomes limiting?-- : The History of Nitrogen --N becomes limiting?-- Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002; Galloway et al., 2003a N-Nutrient N-Discovered BNF World is running out of N* *1898, Sir William Crookes, president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science
Slide9 : Carl Bosch (1874-1940)
The perfect catalyst, 1910
Large-scale production, 1913
Ammonia to nitrate, 1914
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1931
-”chemical high pressure methods” Fritz Haber (1868-1934)
Began work on NH3, 1904
First patent, 1908
Commercial-scale test, 1909
Developed Cl2 gas production, 1914
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1918
-”for the synthesis of ammonia from its elements” Smil, 2001
The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation, Haber Bosch process-- : The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation, Haber Bosch process-- Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002; Galloway et al., 2003a N-Nutrient N-Discovered N2 + 3H2
--> 2NH3 BNF
The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation: Fossil Fuel Combustion-- : The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation: Fossil Fuel Combustion-- Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002; Galloway et al., 2003a N-Nutrient N-Discovered N2 + 3H2
--> 2NH3 BNF
The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation, People and Nature-- : The History of Nitrogen --Nr Creation, People and Nature-- Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002; Galloway et al., 2003a N-Nutrient N-Discovered N2 + 3H2
--> 2NH3 BNF Natural Range,
terrestrial { * *
Nitrogen Drivers in 1860 : Nitrogen Drivers in 1860 Grain
Production Meat
Production Energy
Production
Slide14 : 6 7 8 0.3 6 9 11 8 15 27 NOy N2 NHx 5 6 The Global Nitrogen Budget in 1860 and mid-1990s, TgN/yr 1860 120 Galloway et al., 2003b
Nitrogen Drivers in 1860 & 1995 : Grain
Production Meat
Production Energy
Production Nitrogen Drivers in 1860 & 1995
Slide16 : 6 7 8 0.3 6 9 11 8 15 27 NOy N2 NHx 5 6 NOy N2 NHx 21 25 16 25 5 33 23 26 6 39 48 18 100 The Global Nitrogen Budget in 1860 and mid-1990s, TgN/yr 1860 mid-1990s 110 120 Galloway et al., 2003b
Nitrogen Deposition Past and Present mg N/m2/yr : Nitrogen Deposition Past and Present mg N/m2/yr 1860 1993 5000 2000 1000 750 500 250 100 50 25 5 Galloway et al., 2003b
Nr and Agricultural Ecosystems : Haber-Bosch has facilitated agricultural intensification
40% of world’s population is alive because of it
An additional 3 billion people by 2050 will be sustained by it
Most N that enters agroecosystems is released to the environment. Nr and Agricultural Ecosystems
Nr and the Atmosphere : NOx emissions contribute to OH, which defines the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere
NOx emissions are responsible for tens of thousands of excess-deaths per year in the United States
O3 and N2O contribute to atmospheric warming
N2O emissions contribute to stratospheric O3 depletion Nr and the Atmosphere
Nr and Terrestrial Ecosystems :
N is the limiting nutrient in most temperate and polar ecosystems
Nr deposition increases and then decreases forest and grassland productivity
Nr additions probably decrease biodiversity across the entire range of deposition
Nr and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Nr and Freshwater Ecosystems : Surface water acidification
Tens of thousands of lakes and streams
Biodiversity losses
As reductions in SO2 emissions continue, Nr deposition becomes more important. Nr and Freshwater Ecosystems
Nr and Coastal Ecosystems : Nr and Coastal Ecosystems • Increased algal productivity
• Shifts in community structure
• Harmful algal blooms
• Degradation of seagrass and algal beds
• Formation of nuisance algal mats
• Coral reef destruction
• Increased oxygen demand and hypoxia
• Increased nitrous oxide (greenhouse gas) Sybil Seitzinger, 2003
Slide23 : There are significant effects
of Nr accumulation within each
reservoir These effects are linked temporally
and biogeochemically in the
Nitrogen Cascade
Slide24 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil The Nitrogen
Cascade Norg Galloway et al., 2003a
Slide25 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Groundwater
Effects Surface water
Effects Coastal
Effects PM &
Visibility
Effects Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil The Nitrogen
Cascade NH3 Norg Forests &
Grassland Soil Ocean
Effects Galloway et al., 2003a
Slide26 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Groundwater
Effects Surface water
Effects Coastal
Effects PM &
Visibility
Effects Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil NO3 The Nitrogen
Cascade NH3 Norg Forests &
Grassland Soil Ocean
Effects Galloway et al., 2003a
Slide27 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Groundwater
Effects Surface water
Effects Coastal
Effects Energy
Production PM &
Visibility
Effects Ozone
Effects Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production NOx NOx Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil NO3 The Nitrogen
Cascade NH3 Norg Forests &
Grassland Soil Ocean
Effects Galloway et al., 2003a
Slide28 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Groundwater
Effects Surface water
Effects Coastal
Effects Energy
Production PM &
Visibility
Effects Ozone
Effects Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production NOx NOx Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil NO3 The Nitrogen
Cascade NH3 --Indicates denitrification potential Norg Forests &
Grassland Soil Ocean
Effects
Slide29 : Atmosphere Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Human Activities Groundwater
Effects Surface water
Effects Coastal
Effects Stratospheric
Effects Energy
Production PM &
Visibility
Effects Ozone
Effects Agroecosystem Effects NHx Food
Production NOx NOx Crop Animal People
(Food; Fiber) Soil NO3 The Nitrogen
Cascade NH3 --Indicates denitrification potential Norg Forests &
Grassland Soil Ocean
Effects N2O GH
Effects N2O
Hog Production in USA (1 dot= 10,000 Hogs and Pigs) : Hog Production in USA (1 dot= 10,000 Hogs and Pigs)
Meat Consumption in North America (kg/capita/year) : Meat Consumption in North America (kg/capita/year) Hogs and Pigs
Conclusions : Conclusions NH3 contributes to every N-related issue
Directly or indirectly
Nr and NHx are accumulating in environmental reservoirs
The impacts of N accumulation are significant and inter-related
NH3 emissions will increase with time
There is need for an integrated approach to manage N!
Meat Consumption in North America (kg/capita/year) : Meat Consumption in North America (kg/capita/year) Layers & Pullets
(60,000/dot)
Nr Creation Rates by Food and Energy Production in 2050 : Nr Creation Rates by Food and Energy Production in 2050 today 2050
Nr Creation Rates 1995 (left) and 2050 (right) TgN/yr : Nr Creation Rates 1995 (left) and 2050 (right) TgN/yr 2050 rates scaled by:
-> population increase relative to 1995
after Galloway and Cowling, 2002
Nr Creation Rates 1995 (left) and 2050 (right) TgN/yr : Nr Creation Rates 1995 (left) and 2050 (right) TgN/yr 2050 rates scaled by:
-> population increase relative to 1995
-> N. Amer. per capita Nr creation in 1995 after Galloway and Cowling, 2002
The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen : N Fertilizer
Produced 100 The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002
The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen : N Fertilizer
Produced N
Consumed 100 14 The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen 14% of the N produced in the Haber-Bosch process enters the
human mouth………. Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002
The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen : N Fertilizer
Produced N Fertilizer
Consumed N
in Crop N
Harvested N
in Food N
Consumed -6 -47 -12 100 14 47 94 26 31 -5 The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen -16 14% of the N produced in the Haber-Bosch process enters the
human mouth……….if you are a vegetarian. Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002
The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen : N Fertilizer
Produced N Fertilizer
Applied N
in Crop N
In Feed N
in Store N
Consumed -6 -47 -3 100 4 47 94 7 31 -24 The Fate of Haber-Bosch Nitrogen -16 4% of the N produced in the Haber-Bosch process and used
for animal production enters the human mouth. Galloway JN and Cowling EB. 2002
Nr Riverine Fluxes 1860 (left) and 1990 (right) TgN/yr : Nr Riverine Fluxes 1860 (left) and 1990 (right) TgN/yr -> all regions increase riverine fluxes
-> Asia becomes dominant
Galloway et al, 2003b; Boyer et al., in preparation
Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 : Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 N2 Nr 160 Tg N/yr
Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 : Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 N2 Nr 160 Tg N/yr ?? Is anthropogenic Nr accumulating in environmental systems?
If so, where relative to point of introduction?
If so, on what time scale?
Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 : Nr Formation vs. Nr Conversion back to N2 N2 Nr 160 Tg N/yr < 160 Tg N/yr
Is anthropogenic Nr accumulating in environmental systems?
If so, where relative to point of introduction?
If so, on what time scale? Nr is accumulating in the atmosphere.
Nr is accumulating in terrestrial systems.
Once Nr enters water (streams, rivers, estuaries) most will
eventually denitrify but generally far from point of entry.
Accumulation occurs on short- and long-time scales.
International Nitrogen Initiative : International Nitrogen Initiative Formed in December 2002; SCOPE & IGBP sponsors
Objective
optimize nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production and minimize nitrogen’s negative effects on human health and the environment resulting from food and energy production.
Preliminary assessment in December 2004.
Slide47 : establish Regional Centers for North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, Europe and Africa
use a three-phased approach, designed around the program objectives, to work towards the overall goal of the INI
Phase I: Assessment of knowledge on N flows and problems
Phase II: Development of region-specific solutions.
Phase III: Implementation of scientific, engineering and policy tools to solve problems.
activities for a given Center will depend upon the ‘maturity’ of nitrogen science and policy for that region. International Nitrogen Initiative
Approach
The Components of INI : The Components of INI acid rain Biodiversity losses eutrophication stratospheric ozone methemoglinemia smog haze human health forest productivity fertilizers agroecosystems fossil fuel combustion food production legumes North America Latin America Europe Asia Africa Oceania nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification CAFOs policy economics politics manure troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities decomposition assimilation emissions deposition rivers Imports/exports
The Components of INI : The Components of INI acid rain Biodiversity losses eutrophication stratospheric ozone methemoglinemia smog haze human health forest productivity fertilizers agroecosystems fossil fuel combustion food production legumes North America Latin America Europe Asia Africa Oceania nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification CAFOs policy economics politics manure troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities decomposition assimilation emissions deposition rivers Imports/exports
Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems : Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems agroecosystems troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities The N Biogeochemical Cycle Systems
Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems : Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems agroecosystems troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification decomposition assimilation Processes The N Biogeochemical Cycle Systems
Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems : Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems agroecosystems troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification decomposition assimilation emissions deposition rivers imports/exports Exchanges Processes The N Biogeochemical Cycle Systems
Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems : Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems agroecosystems troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification decomposition assimilation emissions deposition rivers imports/exports Exchanges Processes The N Biogeochemical Cycle Energy
Food
People Systems
Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems : Phase I: Assessment of Science and Identification of Problems agroecosystems troposphere forests grasslands freshwaters estuaries ocean wetlands stratosphere cities nitrogen fixation denitrification nitrification decomposition assimilation emissions deposition rivers imports/exports acid rain biodiversity losses eutrophication smog haze human health forest productivity stratospheric ozone Exchanges Processes Impacts The N Biogeochemical Cycle Energy
Food
People Systems
Phase II: Development of Solutions Phase III: Implementation of Solutions : Phase II: Development of Solutions Phase III: Implementation of Solutions Impacts These impacts can be lessened by reducing the amount of reactive N created and by converting reactive N to N2. To achieve these goals, while maintaining food and energy production, requires engineers, policy makers, economists, resource managers,etc. working in a regional context.
International Nitrogen Initiative Current Status : International Nitrogen Initiative Current Status Formed in December 2002
Sponsored by SCOPE and IGBP
INI has a 15-person Scientific Advisory Committee
members from Brazil, China, France, Netherlands, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand,Uganda, United Kingdom, United States
First SAC meeting is hosted by Dutch Government
May 12-14, 2003, The Hague
The Challenge to all Parties : The Challenge to all Parties Maximize food and energy production while maintaining environmental and human health!