Nutrient Cycles & PollutionEcology

K. Stacker

SEV1. Students will investigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem and relate these phenomena to human society.

a. Interpret biogeochemical cycles including hydrologic, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon cycles. Recognize that energy is not recycled in ecosystems.

Essential Question (s):

1). Why are nutrient cycles important?

2). Why is recycling necessary?

3). How do we contribute to pollution?

What to Do!

When ever you see this symbol

Be prepared to write.

Copy Every Question & Answer

What materials are recycled in ecosystems and why?

• Organic substances such as carbon atoms, found in all living organisms, are constantly recycled.

• Inorganic substances like nitrogen, sulfur, calcium, and phosphorus which make up the soil, water, and air are also recycled to help maintain the health of ecosystems.

Biochemical Cycles

Water

Carbon Nitrogen

WATER 5 STEPS

CARBON 3 STEPS

NITROGEN 6 STEPS

Water CycleEvaporation Transpiration(Water loss from lakes..) (water loss

from plant leaves)

↓ ↓

Condensation

(gas changes to a liquid, &

water vapor forms clouds) ↓

Precipitation

(water returns to Earth as sleet, rain, snow..)

↓

Surface Runoff

(returns water to bodies of

water or to groundwater)

1 2

3

4

5

AD

C

B

E

Oxygen Cycle

Carbon CyclePlant Leaves take CO2

from air↓

Plants store C in carbs and starches

(photosynthesis) ↓

Plants release O2.Humans & animals release CO2 back into the air (cellular respiration)

↓ Decomposers return C to

environment (Decomposition)

1

2

3

Nitrogen CycleNitrogen Fixation

↓Convert nitrogen gas into ammonia ↓Ammonia converted to nitrates ↓Plants absorb nitrates to make proteins ↓Consumers eat plants (with protein) ↓Decomposers break down dead

consumers (organisms) & return nitrogen to air (called ammonification)

↓Anaerobic bacteria in soil release

nitrogen from nitrates into air (called denitrification)

1

6

2

5

3

4

Pollution is a chemical or physical change in the air, water, or

soil of an ecosystem that can be harmful to the biotic elements

in an ecosystem.

What is Pollution?

3 Broad Categories

OfPollution

Air PollutionEx. Acid rain and

Smog

Water PollutionEx. Aldicarb (pesticideThat attacks nervous

System)

Soil PollutionEx. Mineral salts (kills

plant life)

What are the forms of Pollution?

SolidTrash

LiquidChemicals

GasCarbon

Monoxide

Forms of

Pollution

What is the Impact of Human Activity?

In your own words summarize the following statements to show how human activity affect the environment:•Earth’s natural resources are being depleted due to large amounts of consumption.•Wildlife habitats are being destroyed due to the clearing of vast areas of forests.•There is a shortage of fresh water due to agriculture, industrial processes, and energy production.•Our air, water, & soil are constantly being polluted•All aspects are in direct relation to population growth

What causes Pollution?Pollutants

In your own words summarize the following statements about pollutants:

• Undesired impurities that accumulate in the environment (air, water, soil).

• Some are biodegradable, able to be decomposed by microorganism

• Some are non-biodegradable and linger in the environment (hazardous chem. wastes-poisonous, radioactive, explosive).

• Examples: pesticides, solid waste, sewage

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

In your own words summarize the following statements:•Extraction of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gases) through mining result in environmental damage•Carbon dioxide is a by-product of burning fuel.•The build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere results in the greenhouse effect, which traps radiation from the sun and heats the Earth•Severe climate changes occur.

What is Acid Rain?In your own words summarize the following statements:

•Nitrogen and Sulfur oxides are also produced and emitted into the atmosphere with the use of fossil fuels.

•This results in photochemical smog (smoke, gas, and fog) and acid rain (sulfur oxides and water vapor)

•The aquatic ecosystems are affected by this change in pH levels

Who is Affected?

Everyone!

Humans

Plants Animals

Functional AdaptationsWater-limited environmentsLight limited environmentsSupportive AdaptationsDefensive Adaptations

Reproductive Adaptations AnnualPerennialPreventing self-fertilization

Structural AdaptationTeethBody CoveringsMovementProtective Coloration (Camouflage)Mimicry

Behavior AdaptationsSocial BehaviorBehavior for protectionMigrationHibernation

Plants Animals

How Can We Help the Environment?

Our Lifestyles Affect the Environment

• Learn about the environment

• Conserve energy by walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation

• Recycle-Preserve our Resources

• Create rich soil by making compost (leaves, grass, fruit peelings)

• More Suggestions!

ABIOTIC FACTORS & NUTRIENT CYCLES

BIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING:ECOSYSTEMS AND CYCLES IN NATURE