b"Fertilizer production with the Haber-BoschHarmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can be process emits tremendous amounts of CO . dangerous (or deadly) to wildlife and humans.2GREENHOUSE GAS GENERATION WATER QUALITY WOES Greenhouse gases trap heat in the EarthsAt the (nitrate) nexus between agriculture and water atmosphere, driving global climate change. quality is nutrient enrichmentthe main issue Ive The most prominent of these gases is CO .always tied to fertilizer. 2Excessive nutrient runoff often results in the The Haber-Bosch process emits an enormous amounteutrophication of surface water. This condition can of CO 2 . In fact, no other industrial chemical-makinggive rise to harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce reaction produces more CO 2 it accounts for dangerous toxins and cause a drop in dissolved 1% of global emissions. 5oxygen, resulting in fish kills in both marine and freshwater environments. In 2010, 157.3 million metric tons of ammonia were produced by ammonia plants, resulting in theHAB events can be dangerous to wildlife and humans, emission of 451 million metric tons of CO . 5and they can also cause significant commercial and 2That's a lot of greenhouse gas from a single source!political repercussions.The carbon footprint is so big for two reasons:Algal blooms in water bodies that serve as drinking water sources are especially problematic. This can The process requires a result in urgent warnings for citizens to not drink or 1tremendous amount of energy.use their tap water. A commonly cited example of this in the United States is Toledo, Ohios water crisis in Hydrogen used for the reaction Summer 2014. 2originates from oil, gas, or coal. Because of the issues caused by nitrate contamination, Because of this, some see the ammonia produced viaIve always assumed nitrate monitoring is a key the Haber-Bosch process as a fossil-fuel product. 5 component of nearly every water monitoring program, Its more than just CO . Nitrate, the breakdownbut this isnt the case. I spoke with Dr. Stephanie A. 2product of nitrogen fertilizers, has wreaked havoc Smith, our resident microbiology and algae expert at on our water resources. Xylem, to understand why.Whos Minding the Planet? 43"