Written assignment unit 4

Environmental science

Introduction

The essential element that is so important for our survival and other creatures is Nitrogen gas.
Nitrogen constitute to 78% of the earth gases. Nitrogen is essential element as it enhances the
formation of proteins and nucleic acids. Also, formation of some organic compound depends on
nitrogen. Some plants also depend on nitrogen as a source of nutrients. As much as nitrogen gas
is important to plants, animals and human beings, human activities have altered the cycle of
nitrogen cycle and the supplies of it is going down. These activities have led to environmental
challenges and hence it impacts our lifestyle.

There are several human activities that impact the cycle of nitrogen in the environment. The first
activity is the burning of the fossil fuels. This is a crucial method that releases nitrogen gas to the
environment inform of various oxides (Donstova, 2020). When these oxides of nitrogen are
released in the atmosphere, they lead to formation of acid rains which leads to climatic changes
and major greenhouse effects. Another method in which nitrogen is lost to the environment is the
application of excess fertilizers. Most of these fertilizers contains phosphorus compounds in
them as well as nitrogen compounds. These fertilizers are washed into water bodies by surface
run off. Freshwater and saltwater eutrophication, a process where nutrient runoff creates an
overgrowth of algae and a host of related issues, is one of the main effects of fertilizer runoff.

Another impact is animal wastes which releases ammonia to the environment. Ammonia is a
compound of nitrogen and when it is releases to the environment it leads to soil pollution and
even water pollution.

Changes to be made.

The first change that can reduce the impact of nitrogen release in the atmosphere is reducing the
usage of artificial fertilizer. This can be adopted by using organic fertilizers. By doing this we
will keep our water bodies safe since organic fertilizers does not cause any pollution in the water
bodies. since burning of fossil fuels increases the chances of nitrogen being released in the
atmosphere, then opting for public transport, cycling to work or walking to the supermarket
rather than driving personal vehicles will help reduce the amount of fuel burnt and hence
regulates the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere. Another change that can be done is waste
water treatment. Treating sewage plants will mean that the waste released in the water bodies
will be harmless and free from nitrogen components that may cause pollution of water.

On these changes that are supposed to be made there is a sacrifice side of it or good things that
we have to give up. For example, on using organic farming it means giving up on artificial
fertilizers which results in high yields of production in farming. Using public transport will mean
giving up on driving personal vehicles which are convenient for most of us. That will mean
delays will be there as public transport is to be used by many people who have to wait for some
minutes for the bus to arrive. On the other hand, treating waste waters mean investing with more
money and change of policies in the industries of which many people will never choose an
option that adds them an extra cost.
Balancing Personal Choices and Environmental Responsibility
There are several challenges that arise whenever one will try to balance personal choices and
environmental responsibilities. The first one is the rigidity of change amongst people. It is hard
to get a person from the norm of their behaviors and habits. Also, the economic part of if can be
a challenge as these changes may mean additional cost which will be difficult to generate the
amount needed for these changes. It is therefore essential to educate the members of the
community on the impact of nitrogen to the environment. Also, the government should take part
on putting aside some funds that can be used under sustainable practices. Lastly, the industries,
communities and individuals should work together to reduce the emission of nitrogen to the
environment at all cost.

Conclusion

The cycles of phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, and water all contribute to the environmental
risks, in addition to the diseases and ailments we currently confront. It won't take long for there
to be no more time once the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat are tainted
by a break in the natural cycles that we have been controlling for decades. We must immediately
change our naive habits. We have made the initial step in acknowledging the issue, which is to
acknowledge that it exists, affects us, and calls for immediate worldwide action. The only thing
preventing change is our own fear-inducing prior notions that make it seem impossible.

References
Dontsova, K., Balogh-Brunstad, Z., & Le Roux, G. (2020). Biogeochemical cycles : ecological
drivers and environmental impact. American Geophysical Union ; John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2416694

Biology LibreTexts. (2015). 46.3: Biogeochemical Cycles. [online] Available at:

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/
General_Biology_1e_(OpenStax)/8%3A_Ecology/46%3A_Ecosystems/
46.3%3A_Biogeochemical_Cycles.