Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizer Pollution: Global Concerns and Sustainable Mitigating Approaches
摘要
The global dependency on synthetic fertilizers has significantly revolutionized the agroecosystem. Excessive use of synthetic N fertilizers (SNF) for rapid agricultural expansion has become the next global threat to the natural ecosystem. A few of the prominent impacts of SNF on climate change is due to its emission of powerful greenhouse gases (GHG), ammonium volatilization, soil acidification, and coastal eutrophication. The release of these GHG gases and agricultural ammonia volatilization has been reported to be the crucial driver in the alteration of carbon sequestration and fine particulate matter pollution. Globally, the production of nitrogen contributed to approximately 0.41 GtCO2e, which is equivalent to 0.7% of total global GHG emissions. Additionally, the redeposition of nitrous oxides (NO2) by ammonia volatilization has largely disrupted the soil equilibrium causing an enormous rise in the problem of soil acidification. The devastating environmental changes have immensely reformed the soil microbial diversity and natural biochemical processes. Likewise, the release of SNF into water bodies and groundwater reservoirs has significantly impacted aquatic lives by reducing the abundance and biodiversity of bottom fauna leading to coastal eutrophication. The current chapter discusses the pressing issue of SNF pollution highlighting the following key objectives: (i) to provide an insight into the GHG emissions and ammonia volatilization, (ii) to illustrate the concerns of soil acidification and coastal eutrophication, (iii) to address the strategies to mitigate the environmental damage and uplift the sustainable nutrient management practices. Overall, this chapter provides an analysis of the prevailing scenario on the agro-environmental consequences of SNF pollution, strategies, and sustainable approaches for effective abatement of agrochemical pollution.