Sources of atmospheric nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important atmospheric trace gas. The increase in the concentration of N2O in the atmosphere has evoked considerable interest because of its role in (i) destroying the ozone layer as a result of producing nitric oxide in the stratosphere, and (ii) contributing to the atmospheric greenhouse phenomenon. The global N2O concentration has been rising at a rate of 0·2-0·3% per year, and reached about 310 ppbv in 1990. In this study, the individual sources of N2O are identified and discussed. Available estimates of the emission rates from these sources are presented. The accuracy of these estimates is poor, so more field measurements are still required in order to obtain a satisfactory evaluation of the N2O sources.