The United Kingdom (UK) plans to finance the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), a collective of 50 research bodies aiming to examine the range and effects of nitrogen pollution in South Asian countries. The initiative includes 18 Indian research institutions, all committed to understanding different forms of pollution and developing a unified perspective on the nitrogen cycle.
Overview of the South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH)
Launched with funding from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), SANH will run a five-year programme focusing on nitrogen’s role in agriculture across eight nations — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives.
Understanding the Global Challenges Research Fund
Established in late 2015 by the UK government, the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) is a £1.5 billion fund dedicated to promoting pioneering research that addresses the challenges faced by developing nations. This fund forms part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment overseen by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Nitrogen Pollution: An In-depth Overview
Nitrogen, a colourless, odourless gas in its standard form, makes up 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. It plays a central role in plant growth and is crucial for life. However, when present in excess, nitrogen becomes a potent greenhouse gas, especially nitrous oxide (N2O), considered 300 times more influential than carbon dioxide in terms of greenhouse effect.
The primary sources of nitrogen pollution are emission surplus from chemical fertilisers, livestock manure, and fossil fuel combustion. Gases such as ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) contribute to poor air quality, exacerbating respiratory and heart conditions, and leading to millions of premature deaths worldwide. Furthermore, nitrate pollution from fertilisers, manure, and industrial waste endangers rivers and seas, posing threats to human health, aquatic life, and plant species. Nitrogen is also associated with biodiversity loss, water pollution, ozone depletion, and economic and livelihood challenges.
Necessity of the Study: A Closer Look at Nitrogen Pollution
| Year | Nitrogen Emissions Growth in India |
|---|---|
| 1991-2001 | 52% |
| 2001-2011 | 69% |
A study has demonstrated that nitrogen emissions in India grew by 52% from 1991 to 2001 and further shot up by 69% from 2001 to 2011. The safe limit for nitrogen emissions, represented as ‘planetary boundary,’ is pegged at 44 Tg (Tera-grams) annually on a global scale. Currently, mainly due to fertiliser usage, the nitrogen application overshoots the limit, reaching approximately 150 Tg N per year.
Gravitas of the Issue in South Asia
In South Asia, the excessive use of nitrogen in fertilisers, combined with low nitrogen-use efficiency, highlights the urgent need for nitrogen pollution research. The urgency is underscored by the vast scale of nitrogen subsidies in South Asia, which stands around $10 billion annually. This study will be instrumental in shaping strategies for managing and reducing nitrogen pollution in the region.
