Nitrogen pollution in the European Union – origins and proposed solutions

Abstract

SummaryThe European Union is faced with major environmental problems related to nitrogen (N) compounds. The origins of three such problems, the atmospheric deposition of N compounds, the leaching of nitrates to ground-water and the anthropogenic N-input to the North Sea, are investigated by means of a Substance Flow Analysis (SFA); the reference year is 1988. Although the problems occur at various scales and have varying direct causes, food production and consumption together are the main responsible sectors, and the production and import of fertilizer appear to be the major ultimate sources in all three cases. Measures to combat these problems have been agreed to in various international frameworks: the European Community, the International North Sea Conference and the Rhine States Conference. These measures include technical emission reduction for acidifying compounds resulting in a 30% emission reduction; extension of the sewage treatment network and application of denitrification with 50% effectiveness; and introduction of measures directed at efficiency increase and emission reduction in agricultural practice in 10% of the agricultural area. The recent changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are not expected to lead to significant changes in N flows. Assuming full implementation, an almost sufficient 45% reduction is expected for the anthropogenic nitrogen input into the North Sea. The atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds will be reduced by approximately 20%. The leaching of nitrates to the ground-water is expected to remain at the current level or even to increase a little. In all, these measures are conducive to solving, but do not satisfactorily solve, the three problems, mainly because the ultimate origins of the problems are not sufficiently influenced and measures therefore inevitably result in a shifting of problems.

Foliar N application reduces soil NO3−-N leaching loss in apple orchards

“…Nitrate leaching from soil nitrogen fertilization continues to be a potential source of environment contami- nation in many agricultural areas (Mackay and Smith, 1990; Van der Voet et al, 1996). Foliar application of nitrogen has been suggested as an N-conservation alternative compared with conventional soil fertilization (Bondada et al, 2001;Embleton and Jones, 1974;Swietlik and Faust, 1984).…”

Caulerpa prolifera stable isotope ratios reveal anthropogenic nutrients within a tidal lagoon

“…Sources of anthropogenic nutrients to coastal waters are diverse, including atmospheric deposition, agricultural run-off, industrial and urban effluents, and aquaculture (Van Der Voet et al 1996, Smith et al 2006. Whilst diffuse sources may be more difficult to control, point sources, such as industrial, urban and aquaculture effluents can be identified, regulated and redistributed so as to reduce their local impact (Sales et al 1983, Costanzo et al 2005.…”

Accumulation of nitrate N in the soil profile and its implications for the environment under dryland agriculture in northern China: A review

“…However, improper use of N fertilizer and other crop production management practices can cause nitrate (NO 3 ( ) leaching below the crop root zone, which may eventually contaminate ground water (Strebel et al 1989;Aulakh and Malhi 2005). Ground water pollution by NO 3 ( is a serious problem in Europe and many other developed countries (Meinardi et al 1995;VanderVoet et al 1996;Wilson et al 1999). The results of field surveys have shown leaching of NO 3 -N from agricultural soils to ground water (Kirchmann et al 2002;Maeda et al 2003), and only a few studies focused on the distribution of NO 3 -N within the soil profile (Benbi et al 1991;Malhi et al 2002Malhi et al , 2009).…”