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No laughing matter -- bacteria are releasing a serious greenhouse gas
March 31, 2008Unlike 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, says Professor David Richardson from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK, speaking today (Monday 31 March 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's 162nd meeting being held this week at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
"It only makes up 9% of total greenhouse gas emissions, but it's got 300 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide", says Prof Richardson. "It can survive in the atmosphere for 150 years, and it's recognised in the Kyoto protocol as one of the key gases we need to limit".
The potent gas is mainly coming from waste treatment plants and agriculture. Its release is increasing at the rate of 50 parts per billion or 0.25% every year. This means that it can be better controlled with suitable management strategies, but only if the importance of nitrous oxide (N2O) is widely recognised first.
"When faced with a shortage of oxygen, many species of bacteria can switch from using oxygen to using nitrates instead", says Prof Richardson. "Nitrates can support their respiration, the equivalent of our breathing, and bacteria can get energy through processes called denitrification and ammonification. When they do this nitrous oxide is released into the environment".
Municipal sewage treatment plants, landfill sites and marshy areas polluted with too much agricultural fertiliser are all places teeming with so many bacteria that there is a shortage of oxygen for all of them to survive using normal respiration alone. This means they need to use other respiratory strategies, which release nitrous oxide.
The researchers are using a combination of laboratory based studies, fieldwork and computer modelling to understand better the key environmental variables that make different micro-organisms release nitrous oxide.
"We are finding new biological routes for nitrous oxide emission that no-one ever suspected before. This could make a big impact on our environment", says Prof Richardson. "Global warming affects everyone, and understanding the biology of nitrous oxide emissions will be an important step in mitigating their impact. We urgently need to start developing better strategies to improve management of these emissions in the agricultural and waste treatment sectors".
Society for General Microbiology
"When faced with a shortage of oxygen, many species of bacteria can switch from using oxygen to using nitrates instead", says Prof Richardson. "Nitrates can support their respiration, the equivalent of our breathing, and bacteria can get energy through processes called denitrification and ammonification. When they do this nitrous oxide is released into the environment".
Municipal sewage treatment plants, landfill sites and marshy areas polluted with too much agricultural fertiliser are all places teeming with so many bacteria that there is a shortage of oxygen for all of them to survive using normal respiration alone. This means they need to use other respiratory strategies, which release nitrous oxide.
The researchers are using a combination of laboratory based studies, fieldwork and computer modelling to understand better the key environmental variables that make different micro-organisms release nitrous oxide.
"We are finding new biological routes for nitrous oxide emission that no-one ever suspected before. This could make a big impact on our environment", says Prof Richardson. "Global warming affects everyone, and understanding the biology of nitrous oxide emissions will be an important step in mitigating their impact. We urgently need to start developing better strategies to improve management of these emissions in the agricultural and waste treatment sectors".
Society for General Microbiology
Nitrous Oxide Current Events and Nitrous Oxide News RSSHealth care accounts for 8 percent of US carbon footprint
The American health care sector accounts for nearly a tenth of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to a first-of-its-kind calculation of health care's carbon footprint.
Denitrification, its importance once diluted, may be back on top, Princeton-led team says
After more than a decade of inquiry, a Princeton-led team of scientists has turned the tables on a long-standing controversy to re-establish an old truth about nitrogen mixing in the oceans.
NOAA study shows nitrous oxide now top ozone-depleting emission
Nitrous oxide has now become the largest ozone-depleting substance emitted through human activities, and is expected to remain the largest throughout the 21st century, NOAA scientists say in a new study.
Mayo researchers find link between anesthesia exposure and learning disabilities in children
Mayo Clinic researchers have found that children who require multiple surgeries under anesthesia during their first three years of life are at higher risk of developing learning disabilities later.
Wenchuan earthquake mudslides emit greenhouse gas
Mudslides that followed the 12 May 2008 Wenchuan, China earthquake, ranked by the US Geological Survey as the 11th deadliest earthquake ever recorded, may cause a carbon-dioxide release in upcoming decades equivalent to two percent of current annual global carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion, a new study shows.
People are more suggestible under laughing gas
The pain-relieving effects of nitrous oxide - laughing gas - may be enhanced by suggestion or hypnosis, according to a new study by UCL (University College London). The study's findings - that people are more suggestible under the gas - mean that dental patients may benefit from being coached to relax while undergoing sedation.
ASU professor 'follows the elements' to understand evolution in ancient oceans
In the search for life beyond Earth, scientists 'follow the water' to find places that might be hospitable. However, every home gardener knows that plants need more than water, or even sunshine.
Managing Carbon Loss
As the United States continues to develop alternative energy methods and push towards energy independence, cellulosic-based ethanol has emerged as one of the most commercially viable technologies.
Nitrous Oxide Emissions Respond Differently to No-Till Depending on the Soil Type
The practice of no-till has increased considerably during the past 20 yr. The absence of tillage coupled with the accumulation of crop residues at the soil surface modifies several soil properties but also influence nitrogen dynamics.
Oklahoma researchers support biodiversity in biofuels production
U.S. and European mandates for subsidies of cellulosic ethanol production and use have uncertain environmental consequences according to an international group of scientists which includes researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
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Whip-It! Brand: The Original Whipped Cream Chargers, 24-Pack by Whip-it! Whip-It! Brand: The original; Reflecting over 60 years of manufacturing expertise. Food grade N2O is used as a propellant for whipping cream, which dissolves in the liquid cream. As the cream is released from the whipper, the gas expands and in doing so whips the cream into foam. |
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NOS 14169NOS Nitrous Oxide Bottle Heater by NOS This NOS bottle heater kit is calibrated for optimum performance with a bottle pressure of 900-950 PSI. The heater kit is pressured controlled to keep the Nitrous bottle at 80 degrees and maintain optimum system pressure. This kit is designed for 10 and 15 pound bottles and requires 12-volt DC power for proper operation. |
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