Oxides of Nitrogen

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX)

Sources
a) Automobile exhausts
b) Coal fire, gas fire furnace
c) Various boiler, power plant
d) Explosive industry
e) Fertilizer industry
f) Manufacturer of nitric acid
g) Firing of refuse

Characteristics of Oxides of Nitrogen
a) It comprises of NO, NO2, N2O
b) NO is colorless gas, slightly soluble in water.
c) NO2 is radish brown
d) N2O is soluble in water
e) NO2 is a oxidizing agent and form nitric acid by reaction in water.
f) Capable of reaction with all metal or organic compounds.
g) Involve in formation of ozone in atmosphere.

Biochemical effects of Oxides of Nitrogen
a) It can oxidize cellular lipids.
b) They can form bonds with hemoglobin.
c) They can reduce the efficiency of oxygen transport.
d) They can reduce destroy the catalytic power of enzyme.
e) No may be bonded with hemoglobin and form additional compound which is harmful for the body.


Effects of Oxides of Nitrogen on plants
a) Higher concentration of NO2 may be cause of damage of the leaves of plants.
b) May damage the tissue of the plants.
c) NO2 is highly destructive to plant and damage the vegetation power.


Control of Oxides of Nitrogen
a) Moderate a system to absorb the automobile exhausts.
b) Lowering the temperature in fertilizer industry.
c) Catalytic decomposition.
d) Reaction between NO and NO2.
e) Control of unwanted firing.