New publications
Scientists have assessed the impact of nitrogen on the earth
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
People, influencing the Earth's ecosystems, not only deplete its resources, but also cause warming on the planet. Another "trace" that people leave behind is nitrogen.
The only question is how a person will feel the effects of abundant amounts of nitrogen in the future.
In the current issue of Science (December 16, 2011), scientist James Elser outlines some of the latest research on the increase in free nitrogen on Earth. Elser shows that the disruption of the Earth's nitrogen balance began at the dawn of the industrial era and has been exacerbated by the development of fertilizer production.
Nitrogen is an essential element for life on Earth, an inert component of the atmosphere. For thousands of years it was at a balanced level, but this balance has been disrupted since 1895.
Compared with pre-industrial times, the rate of nitrogen input into global ecosystems has more than doubled. The amount of circulating phosphorus (nitrogen, a key ingredient in fertilizing crops and other plants) has increased by about 400% due to fertilizer mining and production.
Signs of excess free nitrogen appeared in all regions of the Northern Hemisphere beginning around 1895. A significant increase in nitrogen release occurred in 1970, corresponding to the beginning of a massive increase in industrial nitrogen use for fertilizer production.
The effects of high nitrogen inputs were not long in coming. One of the consequences of increased nitrogen inputs can be seen in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Nitrogen in lakes began to be deposited in phytoplankton (at the base of the food chain). And what consequences this may have for other animals is still unknown to scientists. All these changes reduce the quality of water in water supply systems and worsen the state of coastal marine fisheries.
[