Post on 24-Dec-2015
Nature, location, purpose and importance of the cycle.
Nitrogen is a necessary component in all living things and many biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll.
However, most organisms are unable to access nitrogen in its most abundant form (N2 gas), so it must go through the nitrogen cycle to become accessible to plants and animals.
The nitrogen cycle takes place in each sphere where there are living things – the biosphere.
Things That Need Nitrogen Nitrogen is a necessary component in all living
things and many biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll.
However, most organisms are unable to access nitrogen in its most abundant form (N2 gas), so it must go through the nitrogen cycle to become accessible to plants and animals.
The nitrogen cycle takes place in each sphere where there are living things – the biosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle diagram
The nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen moves between plants, animals, bacteria, the atmosphere (the air), and soil in the ground.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DP24BceOwt8
Cycle in action
Salt Water fish tank – takes weeks to set up
Must have sufficient numbers of nitrite and nitrate bacteria present
Nitrites and nitrates detoxify the ammonia produced by the fish
If nitrites and nitrates don’t build up, the fish will die
Human Impacts on the Nitrogen Cycle Humans doubled
nitrogen production Adding nitrogen
fertilizer to crop + livestock ranching Ammonia (waste)
and nitrogen (fertilizer) to soil
●Increase in denitrification●Leaching to ground water → bodies of surface water
– Leads to eutrophication
Fossil Fuel burning + Forest fires
Increase in nitrogen in atmosphere
Creates smog and acid rain
Runoff and Leaching Concerns for water
quality May lead to 'blue-
baby' syndrome
Effect on the economy.Drinking Water Costs• Nitrate-removal systems
caused water treatment supply costs to rise from 5-10 cents per 1000 gallons to over $4 per 1000 gallons.
Tourism Losses• The tourism industry loses
close to $1 billion each year, mostly through losses in fishing and boating activities. From the bodies of water that are affected by nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCicSNnKUvM#t=114
Real Estate Losses
• Clean water rises the value of the home by up to 25%. Waterfront property values can lessen because of the odor and sight of algal blooms caused by nutrient pollution
Engineers More effective ways to ensure higher percent
chance that fertilizer gets to plant and not lost by runoff and leaching
Find leaks and design systems to stop it
December 1991 Nitrates Directive → protect water against
pollution from agricultural nitrates
Saving the nitrogen cycle
Recommended steps1. Consume less → 1/3 of food is not eaten2. Improve waste water treatment → leaching3. Decrease use of electricity from fossil fuels,
increase use of public transport / carpooling
Works Cited Bernhard , Anne. "The Nitrogen Cycle: Processes, Players, and Human Impact | Learn
Science at Scitable." Nature Publishing Group : science journals, jobs, and information. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.
"Water, Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle." eTap - Teaching Assistance Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.
Extension, University of Missouri. "WQ252 Nitrogen in the Environment: Nitrogen Cycle | University of Missouri Extension." University of Missouri Extension Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.