Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are ammonia and urea used in denitrification units?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

In the context of air pollution control, denitrification units are used to treat flue gas by altering the chemical composition of nitrogen oxides. Ammonia and urea are utilized in these units as reagents to facilitate a catalytic reaction that converts harmful nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen gas.1

This process is essential because nitrogen oxides, if released into the atmosphere, can irritate human lungs and contribute to the formation of smog. By employing these substances, industrial facilities can effectively reduce the emission of these pollutants, thereby protecting air quality and public health.1