New source of global nitrogen discovered
Researchers found that up to 26 percent of natural ecosystems' nitrogen comes from rocks, not the atmosphere. This discovery could help forests and grasslands sequester more fossil fuel CO2 emissions.
Nitrogen
Articles tagged with Nitrogen
Because of agriculture, the Gulf of Mexico will suffocate for decades longer
Agricultural nitrogen runoff has created a massive oxygen-deprived 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico, taking decades to recover even if eliminated. The area would need to reach 5,000 km² by 2050 to mitigate effects, an unrealistic goal given current unsustainable levels.
Gulf of Mexico dead zone not expected to shrink anytime soon
Researchers warn that achieving water quality goals for the Gulf of Mexico will take decades, as decades-long nitrogen buildup from agriculture poses a long-term problem. The study suggests major changes in agricultural and river management practices are necessary to improve water quality.
Fixing soybean's need for nitrogen
A new study reveals that spraying beneficial bacteria can increase soybean yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative approach boosts root nodules, leading to higher crop yields and increased sustainability.
Painting a clear picture of how nitrogen oxides are formed
A team of researchers from the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a comprehensive model for nitrogen oxide formation in combustion. The study reveals that temperature and fuel mixture richness significantly impact NOx production, providing valuable insights for engine companies seeking to reduce emissions.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateMar 12, 2018
Response of new cotton variety (rassafa) to nitrogen fertilizer
A field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen levels and drip irrigation modes on seed cotton yield, dry matter, and water productivity. Results showed that Rassafa cotton cultivar is responsive to nitrogen fertilizer and drip irrigation modes.
Without 46-million-year-old bacteria, turtle ants would need more bite and less armor
Turtle ants rely on symbiotic bacteria to produce nitrogen, allowing them to thrive on low-quality food sources. The study found that these microbes are essential for the ants' survival, enabling them to adapt and lose traits like aggressive behavior.
New approach to improve nitrogen use, enhance yield, and promote flowering in rice
Scientists developed a new approach to improve nitrogen use and promote flowering in rice by overexpressing the OsNRT1.1A gene. This led to increased yields of over 30% in field trials and accelerated maturation by one to two weeks.
Newly designed molecule binds nitrogen
A newly designed borylene molecule has been found to bind nitrogen at room temperature and normal air pressure, surpassing the capabilities of traditional catalysts like iron and molybdenum. This breakthrough may pave the way for a more energy-efficient method to convert nitrogen into ammonia.
Study sheds light on how plants get their nitrogen fix
A study has identified a key genetic pathway in the legume Lotus japonicus that regulates nodulation in response to nitrogen levels in the soil. The researchers found a gene called NRSYM1 that, when mutated, causes the legume to continue forming new nodules even when nitrate is present in the soil.
Cover crops in nitrogen's circle of life
Researchers found that cover crops like hairy vetch and cereal rye have different nitrogen release dynamics. Hairy vetch released almost three times as much nitrogen compared to cereal rye, while cereal rye released nitrogen slowly over multiple weeks.
FSU researchers: Savanna fires pump Central African forests full of nitrogen
Researchers have discovered a new role for large-scale fires and high nitrogen deposition in the ecology and biogeochemistry of Central African forests. The findings suggest that massive tracts of biomass from savannas are swept up into the atmosphere and deposited on the forests, stimulating growth in certain species.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2018
Treatment of nitrogen-polluted sediment using marine anammox bacteria
Researchers from Kumamoto University and VIMS used sediment samples to evaluate the effectiveness of marine anammox bacteria in removing excess nitrogen. The study found that adding a bicarbonate supplement and high nitrogen content was necessary for anammox bacteria to thrive, and that symbiotic relationships between other microorgani...
Smog-forming soils
Research found that fertilized soils in the Central Valley contribute up to 40 percent of California's NOx emissions. The study suggests potential solutions through improved fertilizer management and soil conservation techniques.
Rare traces of a volatile gas
A new measurement technology has enabled scientists to determine nitrogen oxide concentrations in the ocean for the first time in 30 years. Low oxygen levels are linked to NO production, according to a recent study published in Deep-Sea Research Part II.
Siberian scientists learned how to reduce harmful emissions from HPPs
Researchers at Siberian Federal University have developed a new method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in heat power plants (HPPs). By modeling the process of coal burning and testing different fuels, they found that mechanically activated fuel can reduce Nox emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional coal. This technology ha...
Study may improve strategies for reducing nutrient runoff into Mississippi River
A new study examines nutrient loss reduction strategies from three upper Midwestern states and finds promise in certain practices like cover crops and bioreactors. The researchers also assess the trackability and stackability of these practices, which will aid decision makers in choosing specific conservation practices to adopt or avoid.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJan 22, 2018
Michigan's sugar maples will struggle in a warmer, drier future despite help from nitrogen pollution
A new University of Michigan-led study finds that nitrogen pollution will not fully offset the negative effects of a warmer, drier climate on sugar maples. The research indicates that decreased growth and potential disappearance from the state's Lower Peninsula are expected if extreme climate predictions prove true.
New study shows producers where and how to grow cellulosic biofuel crops
A new multi-institution report offers agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, including switchgrass, Miscanthus, and sorghum. The study provides yield potential maps across the US, highlighting areas with high yield potential, but also notes limitations due to droughts and fertilizer application.
New process could slash energy demands of fertilizer, nitrogen-based chemicals
A new method using sunlight to split atmospheric nitrogen molecules could drastically cut the energy needed for fertilizer production. Researchers at Princeton University used computer simulations to model light's behavior in tiny structures made from gold and molybdenum, which concentrates light energy to boost a catalyst's power.
Research outlines the interconnected benefits of urban agriculture
Researchers have quantified the ecosystem benefits of urban agriculture at a global scale, estimating annual values of $33 billion in four ecosystem services. The study projects an annual food production of 100-180 million tons and energy savings of 14-15 billion kilowatt hours.
Study boosts hope for cheaper fuel cells
Researchers at Rice University have optimized nanomaterials for fuel-cell cathodes, revealing that nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons can replace platinum to boost fuel cell efficiency. The study showed that the right balance of binding energy is crucial for good catalytic performance.
World War I-era maps help track history of kelp forests in Pacific Northwest
Ecologist Cathy Pfister used WWI-era maps to study kelp forest changes in the Pacific Northwest. The abundance of kelp beds remained constant despite climate change, except for areas closest to Puget Sound and Seattle.
Reducing how much nitrogen enters a lake has little impact on algal blooms
A 46-year experiment found that reducing lake nitrogen has little impact on algal blooms, which are driven by phosphorus levels. Phosphorus removal should be the focus to combat algal blooms and their negative consequences.
Landmark paper on global oceans garners international award
A 1996 paper by Robert Howarth and John A. Downing quantified the relationship between human activities and nitrogen entering coastal oceans, identifying fertilizer and atmospheric deposition as key contributors. The study's findings have had long-lasting relevance, driving future research directions in nitrogen biogeochemical cycling.
Study: Too many nutrients make microbes less responsive
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.
Marshmallow-like silicone gels used as insulation in containers for cryopreserved embryos
Scientists found that these gel-based containers can retain liquid nitrogen temperatures below -150°C for up to 10 hours, preserving embryo viability. The reusable and DIY-friendly materials also show promise for efficient transportation of sperm and embryos.
Discovery about rare nitrogen molecules offers clues to makeup of life-supporting planets
Scientists discovered a rare form of nitrogen gas in Earth's atmosphere, which is more abundant than expected. The discovery provides clues about the composition of life-supporting planets and their atmospheres.
Ribbed mussels could help improve urban water quality
Researchers found that ribbed mussels were effective at removing nitrogen and other excess nutrients from the Bronx River, with an estimated 138 pounds of nitrogen removed. The study suggests that mussel farming could be a viable tool for improving water quality in urban estuaries.
SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 22, 2017
Uncovering essential enzymes for plant growth during nitrogen starvation
Scientists have identified two key enzymes, PAH1 and PAH2, crucial for plant growth under nitrogen starvation conditions. These findings build on previous research showing that these enzymes are involved in lipid biosynthesis and membrane remodeling during phosphate depletion.
Light green plants save nitrogen without sacrificing photosynthetic efficiency
Researchers found that reducing chlorophyll content in plant leaves can save significant amounts of nitrogen, which can be reinvested to improve light use efficiency and increase yield. This strategy has the potential to enhance photosynthetic efficiency without sacrificing carbon gain.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateNov 20, 2017
Heavy nitrogen molecules reveal planetary-scale tug-of-war
A team of scientists from Rice, UCLA, Michigan State, and UNM discovered a significant enrichment of heavy nitrogen molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. This finding suggests that life on Earth is locked in a tug-of-war with the deep Earth and upper atmosphere over the presence of these rare molecules.
Nanomaterials
Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.
Transfer technique produces wearable gallium nitride gas sensors
Researchers developed a transfer technique to grow high-performance gallium nitride gas sensors on sapphire substrates, which can be transferred to metallic or flexible polymer support materials. The new process doubles sensitivity and boosts response time by a factor of six.
Lemurs are weird because Madagascar's fruit is weird
A new study reveals that Madagascar's fruit is too low in protein for lemurs to sustain themselves, prompting them to adopt a leafy diet and develop unusual behaviors like hibernation. The research sheds light on the evolution of lemurs' dietary habits and highlights their unique characteristics.
UW wins $7 million grant to wean crops from nitrogen fertilizers
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will study how legumes evolved to cooperate with bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The goal is to recreate this ability in other crops like poplar and cereals, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
Removing nitrate for healthier ecosystems
A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.
The connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality is clear
A 70-year analysis of Danish data reveals a clear connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality. The study found that reduced nitrogen applications lead to lower nitrate concentrations in groundwater, suggesting that economic growth can be achieved without negative environmental impacts.
Scientists developed 'smart fertilizer'
Researchers created a new generation of fertilizers using bio-decomposable materials that break down into innocuous products. The smart fertilizers provide a gradual release of active nitrogen compounds, reducing leaching and increasing plant biomass.
Profitable cooperation: Ants protect and fertilize plants
Researchers found that ant fecal droplets contain amino acids and urea, which are commercially used fertilizers. The study showed that visited trees had higher nitrogen content and larger crowns than untreated trees.
Long-term study aims to understand prairie ecology after farmland is forsaken
A long-term study at the University of Kansas investigates how to restore native prairie ecosystems on abandoned farmland. Excess nitrogen has been shown to lead to a loss in plant diversity and simplify the system, favoring only a few species. The research aims to speed up restoration processes and re-establish original biodiversity.
Climate game changer
Research identifies Nitrospira inopinata, a microbe that can outcompete others in oxidizing ammonium, potentially reducing greenhouse gas effects and improving environmental balance. The discovery has significant implications for climate change research and may lead to practical applications such as wastewater treatment and soil purifi...
Virus reprograms ocean plankton
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a virus that can reprogram ocean plankton to absorb certain nutrients, potentially affecting carbon storage in the ocean. The study found that infected phytoplankton cells become more competitive and grow faster before being killed by the virus.
Mosses used to evaluate atmospheric conditions in urban areas
Researchers have developed a method using mosses (bryophytes) to evaluate atmospheric conditions in urban areas, including nitrogen pollution severity and drought stress. The study found that bryophytes can indicate the degree of nitrogen pollution and drought levels, making them a valuable tool for assessing environmental changes.
Projected precipitation increases are bad news for water quality
A new study predicts that US water quality will worsen due to climate-driven changes in precipitation, leading to increased nitrogen pollution and the formation of harmful algae blooms and dead zones. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected.
Bold new approaches needed to shrink Gulf of Mexico dead zone and meet elusive goals
A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017
Projected precipitation increases are bad news for water quality
Increased precipitation from climate change will substantially overload U.S. waterways with excess nitrogen, leading to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected, with a one-fifth increase in nutrient pollution by the end of the century.
Climate change means more rain, more nitrogen runoff, more problems
A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in nitrogen runoff in the US, with projected increases of up to 19% by 2100. This excess nitrogen can cause algal blooms, harming human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.
Hitting the bull's eye on crop nutrient requirements
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to match crop nitrogen requirements with a precision of 10-20 kg N/ha. This method uses a reference curve based on comparisons of leaf area and leaf reflectance at different light wavelengths, allowing for more accurate nitrogen application and reducing agricultural emissions.
A uranium-based compound improves manufacturing of nitrogen products
Researchers at EPFL have developed a uranium-based compound that enables nitrogen fixation to occur in ambient conditions, paving the way for more efficient catalysts and new concepts for metals beyond uranium. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of ammonia and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
On the way to a biological alternative
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have made a significant step towards understanding nitrogenase's function by analyzing its spatial structure. The team discovered that a vanadium ion replaces molybdenum in the enzyme, leading to distinct effects on its geometric and electronic structure.
Rice scientists simplify the incorporation of nitrogen into molecules
Researchers at Rice University have simplified the synthesis of electrophilic aminating agents, which can incorporate nitrogen atoms into molecules in a single efficient step. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for transition metals or high temperatures, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Greener molecular intermediates may aid drug design
Rice University scientists simplify synthesis of precursor molecules for biologically active compounds, enabling cheaper and more sustainable drug design. The new method uses hydroxylamine O-sulfonic acid to produce aziridine molecules at room temperature in a few hours.
Key genes in nitrogen utilization in tobacco identified
Scientists have identified two mutated genes associated with nitrogen utilization in tobacco, which could lead to the development of plants requiring less nitrogen and reduced levels of carcinogenic compounds in cigarette smoke. This discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental pollution.
Dune ecosystem modelling
Researchers developed a concept to model the physical surroundings' influence on Acacia longifolia's interaction with other plants, considering factors like soil type, nutrients, light intensity, wind, and soil moisture. Isoscapes reveal the distribution of nitrogen introduced by the invasive species across the landscape.
Coal waste fuel may reduce anthropogenic emissions, TPU study reveals
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to obtain liquid fuel from coal wastes for thermal power stations, reducing anthropogenic emissions and disposing of waste efficiently. The new fuel composition shows lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions when burned compared to traditional coals.
Seeing inside coral
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Fixing the role of nitrogen in coral bleaching
Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 5, 2017
Bacteria may supercharge the future of wastewater treatment
Researchers have identified a community of bacteria in wastewater treatment plants that breaks down toxic substances and produces valuable resources. These 'anammox bacteria' can save energy by removing oxygen from the process, making wastewater treatment more efficient and sustainable.
Nitrogen oxides emissions: Traffic dramatically underestimated as major polluter
A team of physicists has implemented a new measurement method that reveals traffic is the major polluter of nitrogen oxide emissions in European cities, accounting for over 80% of emissions. The study's findings highlight the need for revised atmospheric models and air quality management strategies to address the underestimated emissions.