Comments on: Science Wednesday: Nitrogen, Think About It

By: Eve

Eve — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:29:47 +0000

Steve Jordan, thanks a lot for explaining!
It really makes sense and in the end it is again human’s fault that excess nitrogen posts a threat to us and other living creatures.

By: Sarah@EPA

Sarah@EPA — Fri, 04 May 2012 03:00:51 +0000

Steve, thank you so much for the clarification of these points. I neglected to explain the difference between inert versus fixed nitrogen in my post, but you did it very clearly here. It’s also important for us to be aware of these sources you point out that introduce excess nitrogen into our environment.

Also, I’m happy to announce that EPA recently went live with a new website dedicated to explaining nutrient pollution:
http://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/

The site includes a thorough listing of EPA’s recent reports and current research related to nutrient pollution:
http://www.epa.gov/nandppolicy/reportsresearch.html

By: Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:01:42 +0000

The nitrogen problem can be difficult to understand. The nitrogen that makes up 70% of our atmosphere is in an inert form that has no effects on life, or chemistry for that matter. It is when the inert nitrogen is “fixed,” or converted into active chemical forms such as nitrate and ammonia, that it becomes (1) an essential nutrient for all life forms, and (2) a pollutant if there’s too much of it in the wrong places.

The main sources of excess nitrogen are (1) combustion in power plants and automotive engines; (2) fertilizers; (3) human and animal wastes; (4) production of nitrogen-fixing crops, especially soy beans. Fixed nitrogen is a valuable and essential substance – it is when it’s wasted by overuse or lack of controls that it becomes a problem.

Hope this is helpful.

By: Arman

Arman — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:59:06 +0000

Dear Gail,

No, it is not.-

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:34:20 +0000

Arman, I am confused. Is your assertion that EPA is becoming too big and needs to get out of people’s lives?

By: kiyohisa tanada

kiyohisa tanada — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:35:16 +0000

I think so “nitrogen” to be an important material on the earth.
Without “nitrogen”, stability of the air disappears.
It is convenient when I use “nitrogen” for “the tire of the car”.
Besides, I am concerned with the thing that is important.
However,
Because I am near, I do not know “the important thing” well.
I want to know more “nitrogen”.

By: Aaron@EPA

Aaron@EPA — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:21:40 +0000

Thanks Cory — sounds like important work and a great experience.

Here is alink to some of EPA’s wetland research (good stuff!): http://www.epa.gov/ecology/quick-finder/wetlands-research.htm

By: Cory Merriman

Cory Merriman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:11:46 +0000

When I was in college I participated in a wetland reclamation project. It was a blast, and was amazing to see everyone working together on it. Wetlands and swamps are among some of my favorite eco-systems. They provide so much beauty and bio-diversity. Swamps get kind of a bad rap but they are natures way of cleaning herself. In my mind there are so many things we can do to encourage better water quality, but it requires everyone being on the same page. Cooperation can get a lot accomplished but is difficult sometimes. Can’t wait to see what the many research projects find out. Thanks!
Cory

By: Arman

Arman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:58:12 +0000

More EPA….! More EPA…..! More EPA…….! More…!!!

Now, I am sure EPA just not environmentalists community, but more than It : “Government Administration…”! You are successfully to open our problem, to see something how that important, to share public opinions, to answer people need and to bring the people calmly. Environmentalism seems to replace capitalism or socialism. Who knows????