Glossary N
Deutsch: Nischendifferenzierung / Español: Diferenciación de nichos / Português: Diferenciação de nicho / Français: Différenciation de niche / Italiano: Differenziazione di nicchia
Niche differentiation in the environmental context refers to the process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist. This ecological concept is fundamental in understanding biodiversity and the dynamics of ecosystems.
Deutsch: Stickstoff / Español: Nitrógeno / Português: Azoto / Français: Azote / Italiano: Azoto
Nitrogen, symbol N, is the chemical element of atomic number 7. At room temperature, it is a gas of diatomic molecules and is colorless and odorless. Nitrogen is a common element in the universe, estimated at about seventh in total abundance in our galaxy and the Solar System. On Earth, the element is primarily found as the free element; it forms about 80% of the Earth's atmosphere.
Deutsch: Stickstoffdeposition / Español: Deposición de nitrógeno / Português: Deposição de nitrogênio / Français: Dépôt d'azote / Italiano: Deposizione di azoto
Nitrogen deposition refers to the process by which reactive nitrogen compounds are transferred from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including soils, vegetation, and water bodies. This phenomenon occurs through both wet deposition (via precipitation) and dry deposition (via particulate matter or gases), playing a critical role in ecosystem nutrient cycling and environmental health. While nitrogen is essential for biological productivity, excessive deposition can lead to ecological imbalances, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
Deutsch: Stickstoffdioxid / Español: Dióxido de nitrógeno / Português: Dióxido de nitrogênio / Français: Dioxyde d'azote / Italiano: Biossido di azoto
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a highly reactive gaseous pollutant and a key component of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry and air quality regulation. As a primary and secondary air pollutant, it contributes to the formation of smog, acid rain, and fine particulate matter, posing significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Its presence in urban and industrial environments is closely monitored due to its adverse effects on respiratory systems and its role in climate-relevant chemical reactions.
Deutsch: Stickstofffixierung / Español: Fijación de nitrógeno / Português: Fixação de nitrogênio / Français: Fixation de l'azote / Italiano: Fissazione dell'azoto /
A nitrogen fixation is the process in which Bacteria convert biologically unusable nitrogen gas (N2) into biologically usable ammonia (NH3) and Nitrates (NO3-).Deutsch: Stickoxide / Español: Óxidos de nitrógeno / Português: Óxidos de nitrogênio / Français: Oxydes d'azote / Italiano: Ossidi di azoto /
Nitrogen oxides are harmful gases (which contribute to Acid rain and global warming) emitted as a Byproduct of fossil fuel combustion.