Thread: Nitrogen Plant

What impact can a nitrogen plant have on the environment?

Makes nitrogen.
What are you actually asking?

Do you mean nitrogen fixing?

Any fundamental information - physical description and possible affect on the environment.

Thank you

Do you mean nitrogen fixing?

Plants can't fix nitrogen.

Certain species can form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobacterium spp. which form root nodules where nitrogen is fixed. This is quite an interesting structure since the nitrogen fixing enzymes are oxygen sensitive the plant and bacteria each produce parts of an enzyme called Leghumoglobin, which has a huge binding affinity for oxygen and gives root nodules a bright pink colour.

As for it's effect on the environment, it's hugely important because nitrogen fixation by bacteria is the primary source of nitrogen in the soil. Lightning also has a small effect on the nitrogen cycle.

I assume you mean an industrial nitrogen production plant. There are several types - membrane, PSA, cryogenic. All consume a lot of energy, but all have different niches.

You can start by checking out websites for firms like Praxair, Air Liquide, BOC, Air Products and so on.

Originally Posted by Bunbury

I assume you mean an industrial nitrogen production plant. There are several types - membrane, PSA, cryogenic. All consume a lot of energy, but all have different niches.

You can start by checking out websites for firms like Praxair, Air Liquide, BOC, Air Products and so on.

He wants a physical description though, I imagine they look like large buildings.

Originally Posted by Bunbury

I assume you mean an industrial nitrogen production plant. There are several types - membrane, PSA, cryogenic. All consume a lot of energy, but all have different niches.

If you want the enivronmental impact, as bunbury said they comsume lots of energy. This means that they are only slightly dirtier than the energy used.

I.E. a Coal powered plant would be dirty, a plant powered by wind is cleaner.