Nitrogen Usage on Campus

Nitrogen is an important element for life on Earth. It is also a dangerous source of pollution that isn’t talked about much in casual conversation. It is a major component of many fertilizers, including ones we use on campus. How do we balance and moderate nitrogen usage on campus? And why is it important?

Nitrogen Pollution

When people refer to “nitrogen pollution,” they generally mean nitrogen that is more chemically reactive and is found in synthetic fertilizers, wastewater, and when fossil fuels are burned. Introducing these more reactive forms of nitrogen into the atmosphere and water system via these human activities has disrupted the natural nitrogen cycle that keeps it in balance. There are several ways nitrogen is harmful to the environment and human health.

Water Pollution

• Runoff from Agriculture: The excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture can lead to runoff, carrying nitrogen compounds into water bodies. This can cause nutrient enrichment, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication. Algal blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life and creating “dead zones” where marine species cannot survive.
• Wastewater Discharge: Municipal and industrial wastewater discharges can contribute to nitrogen pollution in water bodies. If not properly treated, the nitrogen compounds in wastewater can have major negative effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Air Pollution

• Ammonia Emissions: Agriculture is a significant source of ammonia emissions into the atmosphere, primarily from livestock waste and fertilizer application. Ammonia can contribute to air pollution and, when deposited, can have negative effects on ecosystems and human health.
• Nitrous Oxide Emissions: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere through various human activities, including agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels. Nitrous oxide contributes to climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer.

Human Health

• Drinking Water Contamination: Elevated levels of nitrogen compounds in drinking water, particularly nitrate, can pose health risks, especially for infants. High nitrate levels can lead to methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” a condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
• Air Quality Issues: Ammonia emissions can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and air quality problems, impacting respiratory health in humans.

Biodiversity Loss

• Changes in Ecosystems: Nitrogen pollution can alter natural ecosystems, favoring certain plant species over others. This can lead to changes in biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, affecting the abundance and distribution of various plant and animal species.

ECU’s Efforts to Reduce Nitrogen

Now that we know why we need to reduce these reactive forms of nitrogen, let’s look into a few ways ECU has done that. According to a recent report by our Main Campus Grounds Supervisor, Thomas Brandon, we have reduced these emissions by a little over half on our main campus. This has been actively achieved by:

• Turf aeration
• Monitoring our irrigation
• Proper mowing heights
• Fertilizer selection under the guidance of Campus Turf Specialist, John Barwick

What Can You Do?

Mitigating nitrogen pollution at the individual level in home yards involves adopting practices that reduce the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, minimize runoff, and promote a more sustainable nitrogen cycle.

• Use fertilizers wisely
• Leave the leaves instead of raking them up
• Plant nitrogen-fixing plants
• Create rain gardens
• Compost food scraps and yard waste
• Reduce pesticide use

Nitrogen pollution has a significant impact on climate change. At ECU we’re glad to be doing our part to reduce that pollution in our area. Public awareness and policy measures are essential to mitigate the impacts of nitrogen pollution and promote a more balanced nitrogen cycle in the environment. Share resources with friends and family to help spread the word!