By Amanda Gunarathna
Nitrogen pollution, a growing concern in environmental science, refers to the excessive release of nitrogen compounds into ecosystems, predominantly originating from human activities such as industrial processes, agriculture, and fossil fuel combustion.
While Nitrogen is an essential element for life, an excess of it can lead to detrimental consequences for ecosystems and human health. Nitrogen pollution disrupts the natural Nitrogen cycle. This disturbance leads to an overabundance of reactive Nitrogen in various forms, including ammonia and nitrous oxides.
These compounds, once introduced into the environment, can undergo complex transformations, contributing to air and water pollution. The primary culprits include Nitrogen oxides from vehicle emissions and ammonia from agricultural fertilizers. Once released into the environment, these Nitrogen compounds can contribute to air and water pollution, disrupting delicate ecological balances.
In aquatic systems, Nitrogen pollution can lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and “dead zones” where aquatic life struggles to survive. Moreover, Nitrogen-based air pollutants can contribute to smog formation and respiratory issues in humans. Understanding the multifaceted nature of Nitrogen pollution is crucial.
Ecosystems sensitive to Nitrogen pollution encompass a broad spectrum, including forests, wetlands, and aquatic systems. These environments are particularly vulnerable due to their complicated ecological balances.
Nitrogen pollution disrupts these delicate systems by altering nutrient availability and composition, leading to cascading effects on biodiversity. In terrestrial ecosystems, elevated Nitrogen levels can favor certain plant species over others, impacting the composition of plant communities and, consequently, altering the habitat for associated fauna.
Aquatic ecosystems experience disruptions as Nitrogen compounds, primarily from agricultural runoff, stimulate excessive algal growth, depleting oxygen levels and negatively affecting fish and other aquatic organisms. The intricate web of interactions within these ecosystems is further strained, potentially leading to species decline or even loss.
The overarching impact on biodiversity is a reduction in species richness and shifts in community structures, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive measures to mitigate Nitrogen pollution and safeguard the intricate balance of these sensitive ecosystems.
Primary sources of Nitrogen pollution
Nitrogen pollution is primarily caused by three main sources: atmospheric deposition, agricultural runoff, and fossil fuel combustion. Atmospheric deposition involves the release of Nitrogen compounds into the air, which settles on land and water surfaces, affecting ecosystems far from their sources.
Agriculture runoff, fueled by excessive Nitrogen-based fertilizers, enters water bodies, fueling nutrient imbalances and algal blooms. The combustion of fossil fuels releases Nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, exacerbating Nitrogen pollution.
These interlinked sources highlight the complexity of Nitrogen pollution and the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate its impact.
Impact on South Asian ecosystems
Nitrogen pollution is a significant environmental issue in South Asian ecosystems, affecting plant diversity, wetlands, and aquatic systems.
In Sri Lanka’s rainforests, elevated Nitrogen levels disrupt the nutrient cycling balance, potentially leading to changes in the composition of biodiverse habitats. Wetlands experience altered nutrient dynamics, affecting flora and fauna dependent on these waterlogged ecosystems. Aquatic systems suffer from increased Nitrogen runoff, causing eutrophication and harmful algal blooms, threatening river and lake health.
The unique biodiversity of South Asian ecosystems is threatened by Nitrogen pollution, necessitating region-specific mitigation strategies. Key contributors to Nitrogen pollution in Sri Lanka and South Asia are industrial, agricultural, and vehicular activities.
In Sri Lanka, the widespread use of Nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture is a primary source, with runoff from fields carrying excess Nitrogen into water bodies. Urbanization and industrial growth contribute to atmospheric Nitrogen deposition, while fossil fuel combustion in transportation and energy production releases Nitrogen oxides into the air.
In South Asia, rapid industrialization, population growth, and the expanding agricultural sector intensify Nitrogen pollution. Inadequate wastewater management in densely populated urban areas leads to Nitrogen-rich effluents entering water bodies. Balancing economic development with sustainable environmental practices is crucial in both Sri Lanka and South Asia.
Nitrogen pollution in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s rapid urbanization and unplanned development contribute significantly to the threat of Nitrogen Pollution, particularly jeopardizing the integrity of the island’s rainforests and wetlands. As urban areas expand, industrialization, and vehicular traffic become prevalent, releasing substantial amounts of Nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere.
The combustion of fossil fuels in urban centers releases Nitrogen oxides, which, through atmospheric deposition, settle onto nearby ecosystems, including rainforests. This influx of Nitrogen disrupts the delicate balance of these biodiverse habitats by altering nutrient availability and soil composition.
Simultaneously, unplanned urban development leads to increased runoff from impermeable surfaces, carrying Nitrogen-rich pollutants into adjacent water bodies, including the vital wetlands. Wetlands act as natural filters, but the excess Nitrogen load from urban runoff disrupts their nutrient dynamics, leading to eutrophication and affecting the diverse flora and fauna they support.
Furthermore, as urbanization encroaches upon natural habitats, converting land for construction and infrastructure, the pressure on these ecosystems intensifies, making them more susceptible to the detrimental effects of Nitrogen pollution. Connecting the dots between rapid urbanization, unplanned development, and Nitrogen pollution highlights the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and environmental management practices to mitigate the threats posed to Sri Lanka’s rainforests and wetlands.
Given these developments, Sri Lanka has embarked on a comprehensive approach to combat Nitrogen pollution by implementing various policy measures. The National Fertilizer Policy of 2019 represents a pivotal step towards promoting the efficient and balanced use of fertilizers, aiming to curtail nutrient losses and enhance environmental sustainability.
Simultaneously, the Soil Conservation Act of 1951 regulates soil conservation practices, including fertilizer and manure application, to minimize soil erosion and nutrient leaching. The National Water Quality Policy of 2016 underscores the significance of safeguarding water resources from pollution, specifically targeting Nitrogen contamination.
Furthermore, the National Environmental Policy of 2004 serves as an overarching framework recognizing Nitrogen pollution as a substantial environmental concern and advocates for its mitigation.
In the broader context of South Asia, several nations have formulated policies to tackle Nitrogen pollution. The South Asia Nitrogen Hub (SANH) stands out as a regional initiative committed to promoting sustainable Nitrogen management practices through research, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Countries like the Maldives have instituted the National Waste Management Policy of 2015 to address wastewater and reduce Nitrogen emissions from sewage treatment plants. Nepal’s National Environmental Policy of 2019 identifies Nitrogen pollution as a pivotal environmental challenge, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in mitigation. Similarly, Bangladesh’s National Fertilizer Policy of 2018 aims to optimize fertilizer use and decrease nutrient losses in the agricultural sector.
Despite these commendable efforts, there are persistent gaps in policies addressing Nitrogen pollution in both Sri Lanka and South Asia. Challenges include limited enforcement and monitoring, highlighting the crucial need for effective implementation.
The fragmentation and lack of coordination among policies from different sectors present an obstacle to addressing Nitrogen pollution holistically. Public awareness and education campaigns are essential to instigate behavioral changes, emphasizing the sources and impacts of Nitrogen pollution. Furthermore, leveraging technological advancements in areas like wastewater treatment and fertilizer management offers significant potential for reducing Nitrogen pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.
The solution: Regional and global partnerships
In order to effectively tackle the increasing threat posed by Nitrogen pollution in South Asia, it is essential to cultivate connections with international organizations and to take an active part in efforts that are specific to the region.
This strategy is shown by the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), which is a research partnership financed by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation. A total of 32 renowned research organizations and project engagement partners from South Asia and the UK are brought together by SANH to create methods for the sustainable management of Nitrogen.
Moreover, the South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) works in conjunction with the International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) to encourage the implementation of environmentally responsible Nitrogen management practices. The formation of these collaborations and initiatives enables South Asia to successfully address Nitrogen pollution and the negative effects it has on both the environment and human health.
These initiatives and partnerships facilitate the sharing of knowledge, the creation of capacity, and the development of policies.
With a focus on raising public awareness and conducting groundbreaking research, Dilmah Conservation recently spearheaded an initiative to address the multifaceted challenges posed by Nitrogen pollution.
Collaborating with researchers like Dr Ajinkya Deshpande and Dr Gothamie Weerakoon, the organization actively engages in international research projects facilitated by partnerships with the UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub and the University of Peradeniya.
These initiatives aim to deepen our understanding of the impact of Nitrogen on ecosystems and provide essential insights into improving Nitrogen management in agriculture. Dilmah Conservation’s One Earth Climate Change Centre, situated at the Queensbury Estate, serves as a beacon for scientific inquiry, housing crucial research on the forest ecosystem changes in response to varying Nitrogen levels.
By bridging the gap between research findings and community engagement, Dilmah Conservation continues to play a pivotal role in advocating sustainable solutions and fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
Since 2020, the UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) has been conducting a study on the impact of ammonia pollution within a tropical forest ecosystem. The project partners established an experimental site within the Rilagala Forest Sanctuary, adjacent to the Dilmah Queensberry Estate, to address the pressing need for baseline data on the consequences of Nitrogen pollution in understudied South Asian Forest ecosystems.
Nitrogen poses a significant threat due to excessive Nitrogen waste generated from fossil fuel burning and overuse of fertilizers. One key form of Nitrogen release into the environment is ammonia, which can have adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and formation of fine particulate matter air pollution, which is damaging to human health.
The SANH research project addresses the pressing need for baseline data on the consequences of Nitrogen pollution in much understudied South Asian Forest ecosystems, aiming to provide crucial insights for sustainable Nitrogen management policies.
An integral part of this research involves the innovative use of a controlled ammonia enhancement system in forests, making it one of only two such sites globally. The Rilagala experiment on ammonia is the first of its kind in the whole of Asia.
Collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate the impact of Nitrogen pollution and curtail pollutants entering sensitive ecosystems. Partnerships between governments, environmental organizations, and scientific communities play a crucial role in implementing effective strategies. Sharing research findings, technological innovations, and best practices facilitates the development of comprehensive policies.
In South Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka, concerted efforts are underway to address the pressing issue of Nitrogen pollution and its impact on ecosystems. Recognizing the urgency, Sri Lanka has initiated national policies, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and stricter regulations on industrial emissions.
The government has collaborated with environmental organizations, researchers, and local communities to raise awareness about Nitrogen pollution and its consequences. Ongoing projects focus on monitoring and mitigating Nitrogen runoff, especially in sensitive areas like rainforests and wetlands.
Additionally, there is a push for the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques to reduce reliance on Nitrogen-based fertilizers. These efforts underscore a commitment to striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
Through a combination of policy initiatives, community engagement, and scientific research, South Asian nations, with Sri Lanka at the forefront, are actively working towards curbing Nitrogen pollution and safeguarding their diverse and fragile ecosystems.
Amantha Gunarathna is an educational consultant, a member of the British Computer Society, and an alumnus of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Factum is an Asia-Pacific-focused think tank on International Relations, Tech Cooperation, and Strategic Communications accessible via www.factum.lk.
The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.
