Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as laughing gas, is a powerful greenhouse gas that is approximately 300 times more effective than CO₂. It is primarily produced through agricultural processes, industrial activities, and the combustion of fossil fuels.

N₂O plays a significant role in climate change, even though it is released in smaller quantities than CO₂. Its high greenhouse gas effect and long atmospheric lifespan (approximately 120 years) make it a critical focus for emission reduction efforts.

Main Sources of N₂O:

• Agriculture:
  • Overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers, which release nitrous oxide during microbial decomposition.
  • Manure and other organic fertilizers.
• Industry: Production of chemicals such as adipic acid and nitric acid.

• Fossil Fuel Combustion: Emissions from high-temperature processes in power plants and vehicle engines.

• Wastewater Treatment: N₂O emissions from the breakdown of organic substances.

N₂O not only contributes to the greenhouse effect but also depletes the ozone layer as it breaks down into reactive compounds in the stratosphere. Under international climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, reducing N₂O emissions is a key goal. Companies in emission-intensive industries are increasingly required to measure and include N₂O emissions in their reporting.

Manufacturing companies, particularly in the chemical, agricultural, and metal industries, are often affected by N₂O emissions. Accurate tracking and reduction of this greenhouse gas are essential to meet regulatory requirements and minimize environmental footprints.