What are two examples of biogeochemical cycles?

What are two examples of biogeochemical cycles?

Ecological systems (ecosystems) have many biogeochemical cycles operating as a part of the system, for example, the water cycle, the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle, etc. All chemical elements occurring in organisms are part of biogeochemical cycles.

Is photosynthesis a biogeochemical cycle?

This type of cycle of atoms between living and non-living things is known as a biogeochemical cycle. For example, an atom of carbon is absorbed from the air into the ocean water where it is used by little floating plankton doing photosynthesis to get the nutrition they need.

What is biogeochemical cycle explain?

Biogeochemical cycle, any of the natural pathways by which essential elements of living matter are circulated. The term biogeochemical is a contraction that refers to the consideration of the biological, geological, and chemical aspects of each cycle.

Which biogeochemical cycles are key to life?

The nitrogen cycle is another biogeochemical cycle critical to life (Fig. 6.10). Nitrogen is especially important to ecosystem dynamics because many ecosystem processes, such as primary production and decomposition, are limited by the available supply of nitrogen.

How do biogeochemical cycles affect climate?

Human activities have greatly increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and nitrogen levels in the biosphere. Altered biogeochemical cycles combined with climate change increase the vulnerability of biodiversity, food security, human health, and water quality to a changing climate.

What are the main sources of carbon entering the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere naturally when organisms respire or decompose (decay), carbonate rocks are weathered, forest fires occur, and volcanoes erupt. Carbon dioxide is also added to the atmosphere through human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and forests and the production of cement.

How humans are affecting the carbon cycle?

Human activities have a tremendous impact on the carbon cycle. Burning fossil fuels, changing land use, and using limestone to make concrete all transfer significant quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. This extra carbon dioxide is lowering the ocean’s pH, through a process called ocean acidification.

How does climate change affect the phosphorus cycle?

Greenhouse-induced climate change seriously influences the phosphorus cycle. In this paper the authors have analyzed how environmental conditions cause an increase or a decrease in the phosphorus content of the soil. The role of chemical elements promoting phosphorus accumulation in the soil is further analyzed.

Does phosphorus contribute to global warming?

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all organisms including plants, which through photosynthesis remove carbon dioxide — the greenhouse gas most responsible for global warming — from the atmosphere and bind it into organic matter.

Where does phosphorus cycle mainly occur?

It is mainly cycling through water, soil and sediments. In the atmosphere phosphorus can mainly be found as very small dust particles. Phosphorus moves slowly from deposits on land and in sediments, to living organisms, and than much more slowly back into the soil and water sediment.

Are phosphates bad for the environment?

Too much phosphorus can cause increased growth of algae and large aquatic plants, which can result in decreased levels of dissolved oxygen– a process called eutrophication. High levels of phosphorus can also lead to algae blooms that produce algal toxins which can be harmful to human and animal health.

What level of phosphates in water is safe?

An acceptable range for total phosphorus is 10 μg/L to 40 μg/L. Be sure to use the tribal, state, or federal standards as a comparison for your data.

Is phosphate hazardous?

Too much phosphate can cause health problems, such as kidney damage and osteoporosis. Phosphate shortages can also occur.

Why is phosphorus banned?

It causes eutrophication (a reduction of dissolved oxygen in water bodies caused by an increase of minerals and organic nutrients) of rivers and lakes. This reduced level of oxygen in water ends up suffocating fish. Several municipalities have banned the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers for turf or lawn areas.

Does the US military use white phosphorus?

The U.S. military has admitted using white phosphorus in the 2004 battle for Fallujah in Iraq, and in Afghanistan in 2009. Israel used it in the 2008 Gaza war, but said in 2013 that it would stop.

Is white phosphorus a war crime?

George Monbiot stated that he believed the firing of white phosphorus by US forces directly at the combatants in Fallujah in order to flush them out so they could then be killed was in contravention of the Chemical Weapons Convention and, therefore, a war crime.

Is red phosphorus illegal?

Iodine/red phosphorus. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and red phosphorus. However, it is illegal to import, export, purchase, or sell iodine crystals in the United States if they are used or intended to be used in the production of methamphetamine.

How dangerous is red phosphorus?

Inhalation Exposure: Inhalation of Red-P dust causes respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and bronchitis. If contaminated with White-P, it can also cause liver or kidney damage. Skin (Dermal) Exposure: Prolonged and/or repeated contact with Red-P may cause irritation or dermatitis.

How do you dispose of red phosphorus?

According to the United Nation’s treatment and disposal methods for wastes containing phosphorus, the two recommended methods of disposal are incineration and open burning (HSDB 1993). In the open burning method, the waste should be mixed with wet earth, allowed to dry, and ignited in a remote place.

Where is Red phosphorus used?

Red phosphorus, comparatively harmless, is used in matches. Ferrophosphorus, a combination of phosphorus with iron, is used as an ingredient in high-strength low-alloy steel. In addition, the many organic compounds of phosphorus have varied uses, including those as additives for gasoline and lubricating oil, as…

Why is red phosphorus used in matches?

A small amount of the red phosphorus on the friction surface is converted into white phosphorus. The heat ignites the phosphorus that has reached the match head of the match when rubbing. This triggers the reaction between sulfur or antimony sulfide and oxygen.

What is the ignition temperature of red phosphorus?

For example, freshly prepared, bright red phosphorus is highly reactive and ignites at about 300 °C (572 °F), though it is more stable than white phosphorus, which ignites at about 30 °C (86 °F).

What food has the most phosphorus?

This article lists 12 foods that are particularly high in phosphorus.

1. Chicken and Turkey. Share on Pinterest.
2. Pork. A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cooked pork contains 25–32% of the RDI for phosphorus, depending on the cut.
3. Organ Meats.
4. Seafood.
5. Dairy.
6. Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds.
7. Nuts.
8. Whole Grains.

What are the symptoms of too much phosphorus?

Symptoms of too much phosphorus These symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. People with high phosphorus levels can also experience itching and red eyes. Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may include severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What foods to avoid if phosphorus is high?

High Phosphorus Foods to Avoid or Limit:

• Dairy foods.
• Beans.
• Lentils.
• Nuts.
• Bran cereals.
• Oatmeal.
• Colas and other drinks with phosphate additives.
• Some bottled ice tea.

How can I lower my Phosphorus naturally?

Here are seven methods to help control high levels of phosphorus:

1. Reduce the amount of phosphorus you eat.
2. Take phosphorus binders.
3. Take vitamin D.
4. Take a calcimimetic medicine.
5. Stay on dialysis the entire time.
6. Start an exercise program approved by a doctor.
7. Get an operation to remove some of the parathyroid glands.