Urease and nitrification inhibitors are chemicals used in agriculture to increase plant nitrogen utilization of fertilizers and thereby reduce ammonia, nitrate and nitrous oxide emissions. But their application comes with environmental and health risks. The German Environment Agency (UBA) therefore recommends improved regulation of these substances.
As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Germany is required to elaborate annual emission inventories, including for fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases, i.e. partially fluorinated hydrocarbons, fully fluorinated hydrocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride) are used for purposes such as refrigerants, foam blowing agents in certain foam products, and insulating gas in switchgears. Some of these substances have an extremely high Global Warming Potential.
Intensive livestock farming is a key agricultural sector in Germany, but one that unfortunately generates ammonia emissions, odours and dust that are hazardous to the environment and a nuisance to persons living in close proximity to livestock farms.
Particulate matter (PM10) comprises the mass of all particles contained in TSP (total suspended particulates) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 µm.
