Human Alteration of the Nitrogen Cycle and Its Impact on the Environment

2017 4th International Conference on Environmental Systems Research

生态环境科学

Hu, Jianing^1

Thayer Academy, Braintree

MA, United States^1

关键词: Environmental consequences;    Human activities;    Impact on the environment;    N fertilizers;    Nitrogen cycles;    Nitrogen levels;    Plant species richness;    Reactive nitrogen;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/178/1/012030/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1755-1315/178/1/012030

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Nitrogen(N) is a key element that controls the functions and dynamics of Earth's various ecosystems. In recent years, however, human activities, including the use of N fertilizers and the combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, have been injecting artificially transferred nitrogen into the atmosphere. Human alteration of the nitrogen cycle poses a threat to various aspects of the environment. Organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems used to lower nitrogen levels struggle with the new conditions; plant species richness and biodiversity are reduced due to excessive use of N fertilizers; reactive nitrogen in different forms negatively alter the ozone layer and exacerbate the greenhouse effect. Although most nitrogen inputs are serving human needs, the long-term environmental consequences are serious and should not be ignored.