A recent study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment analyzed the effects of the King Penguin colony's movement on soil greenhouse gas alterations in a sub-Antarctic island in South Georgia.
A rather interesting finding of their study is that 'guano' or penguin poop apparently gives off high levels of nitrous oxide. The gas is more commonly known as 'laughing gas.'
Bo Elberling, one of the authors of the study, said that the gases emitted by the penguin poop were pretty intense. He disclosed that one of the researchers in his team even went 'nuts' after snooping through guano for several hours.
He noted that the gas emissions from the guano were about a hundred times more than a newly fertilized Danish field. Furthermore, Elberling said small nitrous oxide cylinders like whipped cream containers were no match for the heavy dose of nitrous oxide released by penguin poop. He adds that the potent gas was a combination of nitrous oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other gasses.
What is Laughing Gas?
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, laughing gas or nitrous oxide is usually used for sedation and pain relief. However, some people also use it to get high or intoxicated.
The gas is commonly used in dental clinics to sedate patients undergoing minor dental procedures. Moreover, it is also progressively being used to treat people withdrawing from alcohol dependence.
Nitrous oxide is classified as a dissociative anesthetic and has been found to give off a sense of floating, distorted perceptions, and in some cases, even visual hallucinations.
The American Dental Association says that some people report their arms and legs to feel heavy when under the influence of nitrous oxide. Patients claim that the gas makes you feel calm and comfortable. They add that the effects of laughing gas soon wear off after the mask administering the gas is removed.
How does Penguin Poop Produce Nitrous Oxide?
A seafood diet made up of krill, fish, and squid contributes to forming penguin poop, which releases nitrogen when released from the body. After this, bacteria from the soil convert the nitrogen into nitrous oxide.
Elberling said in a statement that it was apparent that in an area where penguins are present, environmental levels of nitrous oxide is also high. On the contrary, nitrous oxide levels were low in locations where there were little to no penguins residing in it.
He adds that by itself, penguin poop and their diffusion are not enough to pose a harmful threat to the Earth's overall budget for energy. However, he points out that their research displays how penguins tend to influence their environment, which is particularly meaningful as their colonies multiply.
Elberling explains that a boom in the population of penguins into ice-free polar coastal locations could eventually increase the local greenhouse gas budget. He adds that more studies would aid in offering more information on how the droppings affect the atmosphere and the whole planet, which might even help in fighting greenhouse gases.
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