| Abstract |
The report is a series of papers on the sources and methods of control and the environmental and health effects of nitrogenous compounds. Diverse aspects of municipal and industrial sources are discussed--waterborne, atmospheric, agricultural, and industrial processes generating nitrogenous compounds. Attention is given to nitrogenous materials in waste and surface waters, efficiency of sewage treatment, effectiveness of the conventional BOD test, and the contribution of urban runoff and landfill leakage to the overall nitrogen load in the environment. Concentrations, sources, sinks, the transformation of nitrogenous materials in the lower atmosphere, control measures for stationary and mobile sources, retrofit systems for used cars, and new engine systems are reviewed. Plant nutrients, including fertilizers, and animal wastes are considered. The growing problems resulting from concentrated centralized livestock feedlots and methods of control are pointed out. Nitrogen is discussed as a nutrient essential to living organisms and as a toxicant within the aquatic environment. The carcinogenicity of nitrosamines and their precursors is described as a potential danger to health. Individual nitrogenous compounds are appropriately identified throughout the report. Analytical procedures for the identification and quantification of nitrogenous compounds are reviewed. (Modified author abstract) |
