Biogeochemical Cycles Gaseous – O,N,C Sedimentary – P Combo - S

Reservoirs of Elements Atmosphere Reservoir: gaseous state in both atmospheric in oceans Hydrosphere Reservoir Biosphere Reservoir: Organic matter in plants and animals Sedimentary Reservoir: two phases Salt solutions Rock

Flux This is the exchange of nutrients between reservoirs The rate of recycling is influenced by the uptake of nutrients by primary producers and the rate of nutrient release by decomposers

Carbon Dioxide-Oxygen Cycle

Carbon Sedimentary: Carbon containing minerals in rocks (CaCO3) Main nonliving storehouse Main forms in living organisms Other nonliving storehouse Sedimentary: Carbon containing minerals in rocks (CaCO3) Carbohydrates (CHs0)n and all other organic molecules Hydrologic: Dissolved carbonate (CO32-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) Atmospheric: carbon dioxide (CO2)

Hydrologic (Water) Cycle

Nitrogen Atmospheric: nitrogen gas (N2) Main nonliving storehouse Main forms in living organisms Other nonliving storehouse Atmospheric: nitrogen gas (N2) Proteins and other nitrogen-containing organic molecules Hydrologic: dissolved ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), and nitrite (NO2-) in water and soils

Phosphorus Sedimentary: phosphate (PO43-) containing minerals in rocks Main nonliving storehouse Main forms in living organisms Other nonliving storehouse Sedimentary: phosphate (PO43-) containing minerals in rocks DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids Hydrologic: dissolved phosphate (PO43-)

Phosphorus Cycle

Sulfur Sedimentary: rocks (pyrite) and minerals (sulfate (SO42-) Main nonliving storehouse Main forms in living organisms Other nonliving storehouse Sedimentary: rocks (pyrite) and minerals (sulfate (SO42-) Sulfur containing amino acids in most proteins, some vitamins Atmospheric: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfuric acid (H2SO4) Hydrologic: sulfate (SO42-) and sulfuric acid

Nutrient Recycling and Energy Flow through an Ecosystem