1-March-2024-Special-Article

RISING NITROGEN POLLUTION THREATENS RIVER SUB-BASINS AROUND THE WORLD

Recent research highlights a concerning projection for global river sub-basins, anticipating severe clean water scarcity due to nitrogen pollution by 2050. Nitrogen pollution, primarily from nitrogen-based fertilizers and industrial processes, poses significant threats to water bodies and ecosystems.

What is Nitrogen Pollution?

Definition:

• Nitrogen pollution refers to the excessive presence of nitrogen compounds in water bodies, primarily rivers and lakes.
• Annually, 200 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen, 80% of the total, is lost to the environment, largely due to human activities.

Drivers of Nitrogen Pollution:

• Rising consumption of nitrogen-based fertilizers, doubling globally between 1978 and 2014, is a major contributor.
• Human-produced reactive nitrogen now surpasses that generated through natural processes.

Sources of Nitrogen Pollution:

• Agricultural Activities: Increased use of nitrogen-based fertilizers leads to leaching into groundwater and runoff into surface water bodies.
• Industrial Processes:
• Manufacturing nitrogen-based chemicals and fertilizers releases nitrogen compounds into the environment.
• Combustion of fossil fuels in industries emits nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.
• Livestock Farming: Livestock waste, rich in nitrogen compounds, contributes to contamination when not managed properly.
• Biomass Burning: Wildfires and burning of biomass release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere.

Major Impacts of Nitrogen Pollution:

• Eutrophication: Excess nitrogen acts as a nutrient, causing algal blooming and leading to oxygen-depleted dead zones in water bodies.
• Human Health Impacts: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air exacerbates respiratory conditions, and nitrate contamination of drinking water poses health risks.
• Ozone Depletion: Nitrous oxide (N2O) contributes to stratospheric ozone layer depletion, raising health risks and harming ecosystems.

Related Government Initiatives:

• Bharat Stage (BS VI) Emission Standards: Stricter emission standards aim to curb nitrogen oxides and particulate matter release from vehicles and industries.
• Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): Incentivizes the use of controlled-release fertilizers for efficient nutrient management.
• Soil Health Cards: Provides farmers with soil nutrient status and tailored fertilizer recommendations for balanced nutrient application.
• Nano Urea: A patented fertilizer, reducing unbalanced urea use and enhancing crop productivity.

Way Forward:

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Implementing precision agriculture and cover cropping can minimize fertilizer use and reduce pollution.
• Improved Wastewater Treatment: Upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure prevents nitrogen-rich compounds from entering water bodies.
• Incentivizing Green Infrastructure: Offering incentives for green infrastructure projects helps absorb and filter stormwater, mitigating nitrogen runoff.
• Enhancing Public Awareness: Raising awareness about responsible water and nitrogen management promotes sustainable practices and reduces pollution.

Mains Question:

2050. Discuss the impact of rising nitrogen pollution on global river sub-basins and its implications for water scarcity by 2050. (150 WORDS)