 |
|
Nitrous oxide from ocean microbes
December 11, 2007A large amount of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide is produced by bacteria in the oxygen poor parts of the ocean using nitrites, Dr Mark Trimmer told journalists at a Science Media Centre press briefing today.
Dr Trimmer looked at nitrous oxide production in the Arabian Sea, which accounts for up to 18 % of global ocean emissions. He found that the gas is primarily produced by bacteria trying to make nitrogen gas.
"A third of the 'denitrification' that happens in the world's oceans occurs in the Arabian Sea (an area equivalent to France and Germany combined)" said Dr Trimmer from Queen Mary, University of London. "Oxygen levels decrease as you go deeper into the sea. At around 130 metres there is what we call an oxygen minimum zone where oxygen is low or non-existent. Bacteria that produce nitrous oxide do well at this depth."
Gas produced at this depth could escape to the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas some 300 times more so than carbon dioxide, it also attacks the ozone layer and causes acid rain.
"Recent reports suggest increased export of organic material from the surface layers of the ocean under increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This could cause an expansion of the oxygen minimum zones of the world triggering ever greater emissions of nitrous oxide."
Society for General Microbiology
Gas produced at this depth could escape to the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas some 300 times more so than carbon dioxide, it also attacks the ozone layer and causes acid rain.
"Recent reports suggest increased export of organic material from the surface layers of the ocean under increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This could cause an expansion of the oxygen minimum zones of the world triggering ever greater emissions of nitrous oxide."
Society for General Microbiology
Nitrous Oxide News and Current Nitrous Oxide Events RSSCow power could generate electricity for millions
Converting livestock manure into a domestic renewable fuel source could generate enough electricity to meet up to three per cent of North America's entire consumption needs and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), according to US research published today.
Atmosphere threatened by pollutants entering ocean, prof says
A large quantity of nitrogen compounds emitted into the atmosphere by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and the use of nitrogen fertilizers enters the oceans and may lead to the removal of some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
No laughing matter -- bacteria are releasing a serious greenhouse gas
Unlike carbon dioxide and methane, laughing gas has been largely ignored by world leaders as a worrying greenhouse gas. But nitrous oxide must be taken more seriously.
Large source of nitrate, a potential water contaminant, found in near-surface desert soils
A UC Riverside-led study in the Mojave Desert, Calif., has found that soils under "desert pavement" have an unusually high concentration of nitrate, a type of salt, close to the surface. Vulnerable to erosion by rain and wind if the desert pavement is disrupted, this vast source of nitrate could contaminate surface and groundwaters, posing an environmental risk.
The danger of blindness after ophthalmic surgery
Ophthalmologists inject gas into the eye mainly during the surgical treatment of retinal hemorrhages or injuries. The purpose of the gas is to help press the detached retina to the wall of the eye.
Compost can turn agricultural soils into a carbon sink, thus protecting against climate change
Applying organic fertilizers, such as those resulting from composting, to agricultural land could increase the amount of carbon stored in these soils and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Laser light may be able to detect diseases on the breath
A team of scientists at JILA, a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado (CU) at Boulder, has shown that by sampling a person's breath with laser light they can detect molecules in the breath that may be markers for diseases like asthma or cancer.
Nitrous oxide: definitely no laughing matter
Farmers, food suppliers, policy-makers, business leaders and environmentalists are joining forces to confront the threat of the 'forgotten greenhouse gas' by taking part in an influential new forum at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Scientists using laser light to detect potential diseases via breath samples, says new study
By blasting a person's breath with laser light, scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado at Boulder have shown that they can detect molecules that may be markers for diseases like asthma or cancer.
Increase in atmospheric moisture tied to human activities
Observations and climate model results confirm that human-induced warming of the planet is having a pronounced effect on the atmosphere's total moisture content.
More Nitrous Oxide News Articles
 | Handbook of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Sedation by Morris S. Clark, Ann Brunick More and more dental professionals are finding that N2O/O2 is a reliable and efficient method of relieving pain, fear, and apprehension in patients undergoing surgical procedures - and is quickly and easily reversed without unwanted side effects. The third edition of this unique chairside handbook is an invaluable resource for this method of sedation. It provides step-by-step techniques of all... |
 | Supercharging, Turbocharging and Nitrous Oxide Performance (Motorbooks Workshop) by Earl Davis, Diane Davis This is a complete guide to selecting, installing, and tuning forced-induction fuel/air systems. Everything involved with these systems will be covered, including assessing power goals, component selection, engine preparation, tools, installation procedures, tuning, vehicle modifications, driveability, and sources.... |
 | Laughing Gas, Viagra, and Lipitor: The Human Stories behind the Drugs We Use by Jie Jack Li The stories behind drug discovery are fascinating, full of human and scientific interest. This is a book on the history of drug discovery that highlights the intellectual splendor of discoverers as well as the human frailty associated them. History is replete with examples of breakthrough medicines that have saved millions of lives. Ether as an anesthetic by Morton; penicillin as an antibiotic... |
 | Nitrous Oxide Injection Guide by Joe Pettitt SA-CarTech SA50 Nitrous Oxide Injection... |
 | The Nitrous Oxide High Performance Manual by Trevor Langfield Nitrous oxide is no longer purely for drag and street racers, this power boosting add-on is now available for many production cars, and even mopeds! Covering all aspects of nitrous oxide systems, from assessing suitability and choosing a system, through to installation and maintenance, this book presents all the facts, illustrated with 150 colour photographs, written in the clear, easily... |
 | High Performance Fieros, 3.4L V6, Turbocharging, LS1 V8, Nitrous Oxide by Robert Wagoner Details of modifications to improve handling based on years of Autocross racing experience, (includes topics such as wheel alignment, eliminating bump steer, tires, solid mounts, weight, and others). Also describes in detail engine upgrades, including a 3.4L V6 swap, turbocharging, a 5.7L V8 swap, and adding nitrous oxide injection. Topics include eliminating spark knock, calculating horsepower,... |
 | Internet Protocol (IP) over Link-16 This is a AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A267024. The abstract provided by the... |
| Nitrous-Oxide Injection by David Vizard | |
 | Motorcycle Turbocharging, Supercharging, & Nitrous Oxide: A Complete Guide to Forced Induction and its use on Modern Motorcycle Engines by Joe Haile Practical advice for anyone looking to increase the power of their motorcycle through turbocharging or supercharging. This valuable guide contains sections on ram air induction, fueling, electronic fuel injection, nitrous oxide, plus chapters on choosing the right bike for power boosting and factory turbo bikes. ... |
 | Laughing Gas by Michael Sheldin, David Wallechinsky, Saunie Salyer |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |