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Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical Cycles
Processes involved:
1. Ammonification. The process of releasing ammonia (NH 3)
from decaying protein by means of bacterial action.
2. Nitrification. The action of a group of bacteria on ammonia,
producing nitrates (NO3).
3. Denitrification. This process is carried out by denitrifying or
anaerobic bacteria which breaks down ammonia, nitrates,
and nitrites (NO2), liberating free nitrogen.
4. Nitrogen Fixation. This refers to the process by which bacteria
in the soil or in the roots or leguminous plants converts free
N2 into compounds that the plants can use.
PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
The major reservoir for phosphorus is phosphate salts containing
phosphate ions (PO4-3) in terrestrial rock formation and ocean
bottom sediments. The phosphorus cycle is slow as compared to
to other cycles and does not include the atmosphere.
As water runs over exposed phosphorus-containing rocks, it
slowly erodes away inorganic compounds that contain phosphate
ions. The dissolved phosphate can be absorbed by the roots of
plants and by other producers. Phosphorus is transferred by food
webs from producers to consumers, eventually including detritus
feeders and decomposers.
Phosphorus can be lost from the cycle for long periods when it
washes from the land into streams and rivers and is carried to the
ocean. There it can be deposited as marine sediments and remain
trapped for millions of years. Someday, geological processes may
uplift and expose these seafloor deposits from which phospahet
cn be eroded to start the cycle again.
SULFUR CYCLE
Sulfur enters the atmosphere - as hydrogen sulfide, a colorless
gas, highly poisonous gas with a rotten-egg smell and as sulfur
dioxide, a colorless and suffocating gas. Both gases are released
by volcano. Particles of sulphate enters the atmosphere from sea
spray, dust storms and forest fires. Plant roots absorb sulphate
ions and incorporate sulphur as an essential component of
proteins. Specialized bacteria converts sulphate ions to sulphide
ions. Sulfide ions can react with metal ions to form insoluble
metallic sulfides which are deposited as rocks or metal ores and
the cycle continues.
Human activities have affected the sulfur cycle primarily by
releasing large amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
Ways of adding sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere: Burning of
sulphur-containing coal and oil to produce electric power.
Refining sulfur-containing petroleum to make gasoline.
Conversion of sulfur-containing metallic mineral ores into free
metals such as copper, lead and zinc.