Nitrogen Oxides, better known as NOx,
are known as incredibly reactive gases that form when burned at high
temperatures (Chen, 2016). So why should we be concerned about the emission of these gases?
It turns out that forms of diesel and non-diesel transportation emit NOx.
Studies support that the older the vehicle is, the more Nix will be
released (Chen, 2016). This is due to the vehicle’s engine deterioration (Chen, 2016). In other words,
these gases are pollutants and we all know how frowned upon that is now a day.
Figure 1: NOx produced over 1000 km traveled.
A study conducted in Switzerland
over the course of 15 years set out to monitor the emission of NOx
in diesel vehicles (Chen, 2016). Through this study, the researchers took a look at whether
or not diesel vehicles were mainlining a stable emission of NOx through
the vehicle’s “lifetime” (Chen, 2016). What they observed was actually a steady emission in
two different diesel technologies, and a decrease in emission from two separate
diesel technologies (Chen, 2016).
Although the study showed no signs
of a raise in NOx emissions, it should still be of concern to the
general public. A steady or decrease in emission is still harmful to the
environment because they affect things like the ozone and our food sources.
Chen, Y., and Borken-Kleefeld, J. 2016. NOx emissions
from diesel passenger cars worsen with age. Environ. Sci. & Technology. 50:
3327-3332.
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