Introduction to
Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical cycles are the circulation of chemical elements and
nutrients through the Earth's ecosystems. They describe the movement of
key substances like nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus between the living
and non-living parts of the environment.
by GautamTrivedi (22117107022)
AadityaRaj (22117107049)
MayurRaj (22117107004)
Sauravkumar(22117107047)
The Nitrogen Cycle
1 Nitrogen Fixation
Atmospheric nitrogen is converted into organic nitrogen
compounds by bacteria and lightning.
2 Nitrification
Bacteria convert ammonium into nitrites and then nitrates,
making nitrogen available for plants.
3 Denitrification
Bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning
it to the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle is a biogeochemical
process through which nitrogen is
converted into many forms,
consecutively passing from the
atmosphere to the soil to organism and
back into the atmosphere. It involves
several processes such as nitrogen
fixation, nitrification, denitrification,
decay and putrefaction.
Positive Effects of the Nitrogen
Cycle
1Supports Plant Growth
The nitrogen cycle
ensures a steady supply
of nitrogen in usable
forms for plants to grow
and thrive.
2Maintains Soil Fertility
Nitrogen fixation and
nitrification replenish soil
nutrients, keeping
ecosystems productive.
3Regulates Atmospheric Composition
The cycling of nitrogen helps maintain the balance of gases in
the atmosphere.
Negative Effects of the Nitrogen Cycle
Eutrophication
Excess nitrogen can cause algal
blooms that deplete oxygen in
aquatic ecosystems, harming fish
and other organisms.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Some nitrogen compounds like
nitrous oxide contribute to global
warming and climate change.
Groundwater Pollution
Nitrate leaching from fertilizers can
contaminate drinking water supplies.
The Sulphur Cycle
1 Weathering
Sulphur-containing rocks and minerals are broken down,
releasing sulfur compounds.
2 Assimilation
Plants and microorganisms take up sulphurand
incorporate it into organic compounds.
3 Mineralization
Decomposition of organic matter releases sulphurback
into the environment.
The sulfur cycle is the biogeochemical cycle
in which sulfur moves through the Earth's
atmosphere, hydrosphere (water), lithosphere
(soil and rock), and biosphere (living
organisms). This cycle involves both natural
processes and human activities, which play a
significant role in the movement and
transformation of sulfurcompounds.
Positive Effects of the Sulphur Cycle
Nutrient Cycling
Sulphur is an essential nutrient for plants
and helps maintain soil fertility.
Industrial Applications
Sulphur compounds are used in various
industrial processes, from fertilizers to
pharmaceuticals.
Atmospheric Regulation
Sulphur compounds can influence cloud
formation and the Earth's overall
climate.
Negative Effects of the Sulphur
Cycle
Acid Rain
Sulphur dioxide emissions from industrial and volcanic sources
can lead to the formation of acid rain, damaging ecosystems.
Respiratory Issues
Sulphur compounds in the atmosphere can contribute to
respiratory problems in humans and other animals.
Soil Acidification
Excessive sulphurdeposition can lower soil pH, making it less
suitable for plant growth.
The Phosphorus Cycle
Weathering
Phosphorus is
released from rocks
and minerals through
weathering
processes.
Uptake
Plants absorb
phosphorus from the
soil, incorporating it
into their tissues.
Decomposition
When plants and
animals die,
phosphorus is
returned to the soil
through
decomposition.
The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical process that
describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere
(Earth's crust), hydrosphere (water bodies), and biosphere
(living organisms). Unlike the nitrogen or carbon cycles, the
phosphorus cycle does not include a gaseous phase under
normal conditions, meaning phosphorus is mostly cycled
through rocks, soil, water, and organisms rather
thantheatmosphere.
Positive Effects of the
Phosphorus Cycle
1Supports Plant Growth
Phosphorus is essential for
plant development, including
root growth, flowering, and
fruit production.
2Maintains Ecosystem
Balance
The phosphorus cycle helps
sustain the productivity and
biodiversity of natural
ecosystems.
3Facilitates Energy Transfer
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in the storage and transfer of
energy within living organisms.
Negative Effects of the
Phosphorus Cycle
Eutrophication
Excessive phosphorus input
can lead to harmful algal
blooms and oxygen depletion
in aquatic ecosystems.
Water Pollution
Phosphorus runoff from
agricultural and industrial
sources can contaminate water
supplies.
Soil Degradation
Intensive farming practices that deplete soil phosphorus can reduce
land productivity over time.