NOx
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | Nitrogen oxides |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
NOx stands for Nitrogen oxides, an environmental abbreviation.
Collective term for nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formed when fuels burn at high temperatures in engines, power plants and boilers. NOx irritates the lungs, reacts in sunlight to form ground-level ozone smog, and contributes to acid rain and fine particle pollution.
Example: The new diesel engine uses selective catalytic reduction with urea to cut NOx emissions by 90%.
Usage notes
Pronounced "nocks." The 2015 Volkswagen "Dieselgate" scandal involved software that switched on full NOx controls only during tests, while cars emitted up to 40 times the US limit on the road. Nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas, is usually counted separately from NOx.
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- MPA – Marine protected area
- MRV – Measurement, reporting and verification
- MSW – Municipal solid waste
- NbS – Nature-based solutions
- NDC – Nationally determined contribution
- NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
- NPDES – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
- ODS – Ozone-depleting substance
- PM10 – Particulate matter 10 micrometers or smaller
- PM2.5 – Particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller
- RCP – Representative Concentration Pathway
- RCRA – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act