Nitric acid: Sources of emissions
Industry sources
Released from industries producing, using or handling nitric acid, for example chemical plants, metal, electronic, printing, glass, rubber and plastics plants and industries. Where ever very high temperature combustion takes place in the atmosphere in the presence of nitrogen, oxygen and water. May be present in small amounts in some waste-water from intensive farm factories and other facilities which produce waste-water containing high level of nitrogen.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
May be present in exhaust gases from motor vehicles, the exhaust of incinerators or other chemical plants, or where these are in contact with moisture in the air. Unlikely to persist in nature because it readily reacts with a wide variety of naturally occurring substances.
Natural sources
Rare in nature as a gas in the atmosphere, in groundwater around active volcanic regions, or drainage from areas where accumulated organic or animal wastes are present.
Transport sources
Exhaust chambers in motor vehicles.
Consumer products
Could be retained as small amounts in products where it has been used in the manufacturing or treatment process.
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