The heavy cost of the nitrogen pollution

The addition of nitrogen in synthetic fertilizers revolutionized agriculture in the early 20th century. The benefits of using nitrogen-based fertilizers, are however provided by the effects of air pollution on health and the environment nitrogen in the shade.

Nitrogen pollution costs Europe between 70 and 320 billion euro ($ 100 billion-$ 460bn) per year in their effects on health and the environment, according to a large European study launched in the UK on Monday.

The first European nitrogen assessment, the result of a five year research programme, found that the cost is more than double the advantages of the continent's agriculture sector represented.

The ENA was on Monday to start a five-day International Conference in Edinburgh.

The study was conducted by 200 experts from 21 countries and 89 organisations, who came with recommendations about how to reduce nitrogen in the air, the Earth, water and ecosystems.

The invention of synthetic fertilizer in the early twentieth century agriculture is revolutionizing, multiply income and improve the quality.

However, the amount of nitrogen in the environment at world level has doubled and tripled in Europe.

ENA Coordinator mark Sutton said: "more than half of the world's population relies on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer for food production, but measures are needed, the impact of nitrogen to reduce pollution."

"The solutions include a more efficient use of mineral and organic manure (dung, manure and compost), eating habits, and more moderate meat consumption target."

"We have the know-how to nitrogen to reduce pollution, but must we begin to apply these solutions at European level in an integrated way."

The event in the Scottish capital will bring together to start the ENA scientists and policy makers, and discuss the latest scientific progress in nitrogen.

View the original article here