The Nitrogen System

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.