Evaluation some effect of potassium nitrate on environment

Potassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. The water soluble noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO3. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrate ions NO3− and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate. It occurs in nature as a mineral, niter or nitre. It is a source of nitrogen, and nitrogen was named after niter. Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpeter. It also known as saltpeter, potassium nitrate is a white crystallized compound composed of potassium, nitrogen and oxygen. Most commonly used in fireworks, matches and fertilizer, its medical applications include diuretics to reduce high blood pressure. Although typically produced synthetically, mining continues of the natural mineral, which has significant commercial value. The potassium nitrate has long been used for fireworks and gunpowder. It’s now more commonly added to food to maintain the quality of meat and cheese. Specialty toothpastes often contain KNO₃ to alleviate tooth sensitivity. A mixture of KNO₃ and sodium nitrate NaNO₃ is used for storing heat in solar energy installations. Agricultural processes use potassium nitrate as a virtually chloride free and water soluble source of nitrate nitrogen and potassium nutrients. Potassium nitrate has specific benefits and characteristics and because of this target markets are related to high value crops including fruits, vegetables and flowers. Chloride sensitive crops such as strawberries, cabbage, potatoes, beans, peanuts, lettuce, onions, carrots, apricots, blackberries, grapefruit, tobacco, and avocados depend on the use of chloride free K sources like potassium nitrate. While the use of potassium nitrate might sound very beneficial, it is having some highly undesired consequences. The nitrogen rich compounds found in fertilizer runoff are the primary cause of serious oxygen depletion in many parts of oceans, especially in coastal zones, lakes and rivers. The resulting lack of dissolved oxygen greatly reduces the ability of these areas to sustain oceanic fauna. The number of oceanic dead zones near inhabited coastlines is increasing. It has a global warming potential 296 times larger than an equal mass of carbon dioxide and it also contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion, by changing processes and procedures, it is possible to mitigate some, but not all, of these effects on anthropogenic climate change. Methane emissions from crop fields are increased by the application of ammonium-based fertilizers. These emissions contribute to global climate change as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The international programmed on chemical safety states that breathing potassium nitrate can cause coughing and sore throat, and contact with the eyes or skin can cause redness and pain. People exposed to the chemical should remove any contaminated clothing, and flush the area with clean water and soap. Proper protection when working with potassium nitrate includes gloves, mask and protective goggles to avoid contact and inhalation. Unless directed by a physician, avoid taking potassium nitrate internally. According to the international programmed on chemical safety states it can cause abdominal pain, dizziness, labored breathing, confusion, headache and nausea.

کلیدواژه ها:

Potassium nitrate ، Chemical compound ، Pollution ، Environment.