Biogeochemical Cycles Notes

What does nitrogen cycle through?

atmosphere, soil, organisms

What does sulfur cycle through?

atmosphere, rocks, organisms

What does phosphorus cycle through?

rocks, ocean sediments, organisms

Chemistry of the nitrogen cycle

Nitrogen Fixation: N2 to NH3/NH4

Nitrification: NH3/NH4 to NO3

Ammonification: NO3 to NH3/NH4

Denitrification: NH3/NH4 to N2/N2O

Impact of nitrogen on organisms and anthropogenically

Used in plants to make amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and vitamins. Production of ammonia accelerated the process of atmospheric nitrogen to “plant” nitrogen.

How is sulphur added and taken away from the atmosphere?

Added through volcanic eruptions, anaerobic decomposition in the water, sea spray, dust storms, and forest fires. It is taken away through rain. 

Impact of sulphur on organisms and anthropogenically

Organisms need because it’s an essential component of many proteins. Increased sulphur in atmosphere due to burning coal and refining oil.

How does phosphorus get from rocks to organisms?

as water runs over phosphorus containing rocks, the ions are slowly dissolved out and plants can absorb them.

Why is phosphorus the slowest nutrient cycle?

Because it doesn’t cycle through the atmosphere

Impact of phosphorus on organisms and anthropogenically

Organisms need because it is a component of DNA and ATP/ADP, vertebrae bones and teeth