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The role of the atmosphere in nitrogen cycling

El papel de la atmosfera en el ciclo de nitrógeno

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Abstract

In this work an analysis of the sources, atmospheric concentration, chemical reactions and sinks of the principal atmospheric nitrogen compounds is made. Atmospheric emissions of N2O and NH3 are almost entirely due to biological activity on the continents and in the oceans. The combustion of fossil fuels and biomass is the principal source of NOx. The only relevant chemical transformations in the troposphere are the oxidation of NOx to NO3 − and the formation of ammonium salts. Only 10% of the NH3 emitted is oxidized. Washout of NH4 + and NO3 − by rainfall is the principal mechanism for removing nitrogen compounds from the atmosphere. Part of the N2O enters the stratosphere and part must be removed in the biosphere by processes not yet established.

NOx produced in the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels and biomass and by lightning represents between 30 and 40% of the total nitrogen fixed. A complete nitrogen balance for the troposphere is presented.

Since the photochemical oxidation of NOx is rapid and atmospheric transport is relatively slow with respect to the cycling of water in the troposphere, nitrogen compounds return to the earth's surface close to where they were emitted. Fixed-nitrogen inputs to the continents and oceans due to biological and industrial fixation are slightly greater than those due to rain water. However, since rain falls everywhere, input from this source is only important on soils not subject to intensive agriculture.

Resumen

En el presente trabajo se hace un análisis de las fuentes, concentraciones, reacciones químicas y depósitos de los principales compuestos nitrogenados atmosféricos. Las emisiones a la atmósfera de N2O y NH3 provienen casi exclusivamente de procesos biológicos en continentes y océanos. Los NOx son producidos principalmente en la quema de combustibles fósiles y de biomasa. La oxidación de los NOx a NO3 − y la formación de sales de amonio son las únicas transformaciones químicas relevantes en la tropósfera. Sólo el 10% del NH3 emitido es oxidado. La remoción de la atmósfera de los compuestos nitrogenados se produce fundamentalmente por lavado por lluvia de NH4 + y NO3 −. Parte del N2O pasa a la estratósfera y parte debe ser removido en la biósfera a través de un proceso no establecido.

En la atmósfera ocurren importantes procesos de fijación de nitrógeno y el NOx producido en la quema de combustibles fósiles y de biomasa y en las descargas eléctricas representa entre 30 y 40% del total del nitrógeno fijado. Se plantea un balance del nitrógeno troposférico.

Teniendo en consideración que la oxidación fotoquímica del NOx es rápida y que el transporte atmosférico es relativamente lento con respecto al ciclo troposférico del agua, se encuentra que los compuestos nitrogenados vuelven a la superficie de la tierra en lugares cercanos a donde fueron emitidos. Se establece que la entrada de nitrógeno fijo a los continentes y océanos por fijación biológica e industrial es escasamente superior a la producida en el agua de lluvia. Sin embargo, debido a que la lluvia cae en todas partes, el aporte de este nitrógeno fijo en el agua de lluvia es sólo significativo en los suelos en donde no se practica una agricultura intensiva.

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  1. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC), Fotoquímica y Contaminación Atmosférica, Apartado 1827, 1010-A, Caracas, Venezuela

    E. Sanhueza

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Sanhueza, E. The role of the atmosphere in nitrogen cycling. Plant Soil 67, 61–71 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02182755

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