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How to Return Nitrogen Gas to the Atmosphere

Improper management of nitrogen's byproducts is a big contributor to ozone depletion. In nature, organic nitrogen -- from decomposing organic matter -- goes through a process called "nitrification." The next step is de-nitrification, where the nitrogen is turned into a gas and released back into the air. The addition of fertilizers and related products have created a polluting byproduct called nitrous oxide. The easiest way to return nitrogen gas to the atmosphere is the way that nature intended: through the use of bacteria in de-nitrification. The de-nitrification process is used by water-treatment plants.

Things You'll Need

Facultative heterotrophic bacteria
Nitrified wastewater
Enclosed area
Release ports to open air
Oxygen, or multi-gas measuring device
pH tester
Thermometer, or temperature gauge

Instructions

- 1
  Add the nitrified wastewater to the container or enclosed area. Wastewater cannot be de-nitrified unless it has gone through the nitrification process beforehand. Make sure all venting areas are sealed.
- 2
  Check any oxygen measuring gauges. When the dissolved oxygen, in the sludge, is less than 0.2 milligrams per liter, de-nitrification begins to occur.
- 3
  Test the pH regularly. Values between 7.0 and 8.5 are ideal for de-nitrification. Add a carbon supplement if the organic carbon runs low before the de-nitrification process is complete.
- 4
  Check the temperature. Keep the temperature between 41 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum bacterial growth.
- 5
  Vent the nitrogen gas once a week to give the bacteria time to dissolve the nitrous oxide that develops alongside the pure nitrogen gas. Check the level of nitrous oxide before venting.

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