Absorption of Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas produced when nitrogen and oxygen combine in the air at high temperatures, such as those produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.

What is Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gas that is formed when nitrogen and oxygen combine in the air at high temperatures, such as those produced by burning fossil fuels. NO₂ is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as “oxides of nitrogen” or “nitrogen oxides”. NO₂ is the main component of smog and contributes to the formation of acid rain. At high concentrations, NO₂ can have negative effects on human health, including respiratory problems such as bronchitis and aggravated asthma. It can also contribute to heart disease and lung cancer. NO₂ can also damage vegetation, including crops, trees, and shrubs. It’s a gas at room temperature and pressure, and it has a reddish-brown colour. It’s also a strong oxidizing agent. In the atmosphere, nitrogen dioxide is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. It’s also a by-product of certain industrial processes, like the production of nitric acid. Nitrogen dioxide is harmful to human health. It can cause respiratory problems, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. It can also damage plants and animals. The good news is that nitrogen dioxide is slowly absorbed by the atmosphere. Over time, it breaks down into other molecules, like nitric acid and nitrous oxide. This process is important for the health of the planet. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant, and we must remove it from the atmosphere to protect our health and the environment.

Absorption of NO2

The main process that leads to the absorption of NO2 is a gas-phase reaction with OH radicals. The overall removal efficiency of this process is approximately 65-70%.

The second most important process contributing to the removal of NO2 is wet deposition. This process is slightly less efficient than the OH reaction, but still plays an important role in the overall removal of NO2 from the atmosphere.

Other processes that contribute to the removal of NO2 include dry deposition and chemical reactions with other atmospheric constituents. The overall removal efficiency of all these processes is estimated to be approximately 80-85%. Some of them are discussed below.

Absorption in Water

NO₂ is also soluble in water and will react with water molecules to form nitric acid (HNO₃). This process is relatively slow and the solubility of NO₂ in water is quite low (approximately 0.02 M at 25 °C). As a result, the concentration of NO₂ in water is usually much lower than its concentration in the air. The absorption of NO₂ by water is an important process because it reduces the concentration of this pollutant in the atmosphere. It also plays a role in the formation of acid rain. When NO₂ dissolves in water, it forms nitric acid. This nitric acid can then fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog. When this happens, it’s called acid deposition. Acid deposition can damage plants, animals, and buildings. It can also make water unsafe to drink.

Absorption of Nitrogen Dioxide by Soda Lime:

Soda-lime is a material that is commonly used to remove carbon dioxide from the air. It can also be used to remove other gases, like nitrogen dioxide. When NO₂ comes into contact with soda lime, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide to form calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₂)₂). This reaction is relatively slow and the efficiency of NO₂ removal by soda lime is quite low (approximately 15-20%). However, soda lime is still used in some applications because it’s relatively cheap, and it’s not flammable.

Removal of Nitrogen Dioxide by Activated Carbon:

Activated carbon is a material that can be used to remove a variety of gases from the air, including nitrogen dioxide. When NO₂ comes into contact with activated carbon, it is adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon. The adsorption of NO₂ onto activated carbon is a very fast process, and the efficiency of NO₂ removal by activated carbon is quite high (approximately 95-99%). Activated carbon is often used in applications where high efficiency is required, such as in air purifiers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of nitrogen dioxide inhalation. This gas can cause several health problems, including difficulty breathing, coughing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. If you believe you have been exposed to this gas, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential for nitrogen dioxide exposure in your home or workplace and to take steps to avoid it. In this post, we learned about some Nitrogen Dioxide absorption. I hope you found it useful.