Is no2 a greenhouse gas

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Is NO2 a Greenhouse Gas?

Introduction to NO2 and Its Environmental Impact

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a significant air pollutant primarily produced by the combustion of fossil fuels in transportation, industrial activities, and electricity generation 48. It is well-known for its adverse effects on human health, including respiratory diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular issues 78. However, its role in the context of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and climate change is more complex and nuanced.

NO2 as an Indirect Greenhouse Gas

While NO2 itself is not classified as a direct greenhouse gas, it plays a crucial role as a precursor to the formation of tropospheric ozone (O3), which is a potent greenhouse gas 34. The formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere involves complex chemical reactions between NO2, nitrogen monoxide (NO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under the influence of sunlight . This makes NO2 an indirect contributor to the greenhouse effect.

Contribution to the Greenhouse Effect

The impact of NO2 on the greenhouse effect is relatively minor compared to direct GHGs like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) . Studies have estimated that the contribution of NOx (NO + NO2) to the greenhouse effect is less than 3% when compared to the total emissions of all GHGs . This indicates that while NO2 does contribute to global warming, its effect is significantly smaller than that of other more prominent GHGs.

NO2 and Climate Change Mitigation

Reducing NO2 emissions can have dual benefits: improving air quality and contributing to climate change mitigation. Policies aimed at reducing NO2 emissions, such as those targeting transportation and industrial activities, can lead to lower levels of tropospheric ozone and, consequently, a reduction in the overall greenhouse effect . The COVID-19 pandemic provided a real-world example of how rapid changes in transportation use can significantly decrease NO2 concentrations, highlighting the potential for policy interventions to achieve similar results .

Monitoring and Detection of NO2

Advanced monitoring techniques are essential for accurately assessing NO2 levels and their impact on the environment. Instruments designed for concurrent observations of NO2 and CO2 can help identify specific emission sources and provide valuable data for climate models . Such monitoring is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce NO2 emissions and mitigate their indirect effects on global warming.

Conclusion

In summary, while NO2 is not a direct greenhouse gas, it plays a significant role as a precursor to tropospheric ozone, an important greenhouse gas. Its contribution to the greenhouse effect is relatively minor compared to other GHGs, but reducing NO2 emissions can still have meaningful benefits for both air quality and climate change mitigation. Effective monitoring and targeted policies are essential for managing NO2 levels and minimizing its environmental impact.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

On the Issues of NOx as Greenhouse Gases: An Ongoing Discussion…

NOx emissions from stationary sources have a less than 3% impact on the greenhouse effect compared to CO2 and other direct greenhouse gases, with waste incineration and co-incineration plants offering environmental benefits.

2022·

22citations

·J. Lasek et al.

Climate Change and the Impact of Greenhouse Gasses: CO2 and NO, Friends and Foes of Plant Oxidative Stress

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a central role in plants' tolerance to climate change by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and maintaining redox equilibrium.

Highly Cited

2018·

192citations

·R. Cassia et al.

Influence of NO2, NO and meteorological conditions on the tropospheric O3 concentration at an industrial station

NO2, NO, and relative humidity negatively impact ozone concentration, while solar radiations, air temperature, and wind speed positively influence it at an industrial site.

2020·

28citations

·S. Paraschiv et al.

Nitrogen Dioxide, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Transportation in Urban Areas: Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic

Reducing traffic in urban areas can both mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, as seen in the Covid-19 pandemic.

2021·

20citations

·Carlos Restrepo

Compact NO2 plume detection instrument for concurrent observations of NO2 and CO2

A compact NO2 plume detection instrument can accommodate both CO2 and NO2 sensors on a single platform, improving CO2 monitoring and identifying emissions sources.

2023·

0citations

·David Nijkerk et al.

Selective NO2 Detection of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramic Prepared by the Sol-Gel Technique and DRIFT Measurements to Elucidate the Gas Sensing Mechanism

The CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic prepared by the sol-gel technique effectively detects NO2, with a greater sensor signal at 250°C, correlated to the highest concentration of nitrite and nitrate species on the CCTO surface.

2023·

2citations

·R. Espinoza-González et al.

Assessing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels as a contributing factor to coronavirus (COVID-19) fatality

Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may contribute to COVID-19 fatalities in north Italy and central Spain, due to high NO2 concentrations and downward airflow.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2020·

705citations

·Yaron Ogen

Future Adoption of Direct Measurement Techniques for Regulatory Measurements of Nitrogen Dioxide: Drivers and Challenges.

Direct measurement techniques for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are needed for accurate regulatory compliance measurements, as current indirect methods are insufficient for addressing climate change, air quality, and human health concerns.

2020·

5citations

·D. Worton

A Novel Dataset and Benchmark for Surface No2 Prediction from Remote Sensing Data Including Covid Lockdown Measures

This novel dataset enables daily estimates of surface NO2 levels, enabling confident identification of EU NO2 exposure limit breaches and identifying COVID-19 lockdowns' impact on air quality in Europe.

2021·

6citations

·L. Scheibenreif et al.

Monitoring of greenhouse gases and pollutants across an urban area using a light-rail public transit platform

Light-rail public transit platforms can effectively monitor urban greenhouse gases and air pollutants, providing valuable data for future air quality exposure studies.

2018·

61citations

·L. Mitchell et al.

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