3-3 Cycles of Matter

Recycling in the Biosphere Matter is recycled within and between ecosystems. Biogeochemical cycles –process in which matter is passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another.

The Water Cycle The continuous cycle of water moving between the ocean, atmosphere, and land. Evaporation – process of water changing from a liquid to a gas. Transpiration – process of water leaving plant leaves and going into the atmosphere.

The Water Cycle Water moves between the ocean, atmosphere, and land. This diagram shows the main processes involved in the water cycle. Scientists estimate that it can take a single water molecule as long as 4000 years to complete one cycle.

Water Cycle Rap http://lanterspreap.weebly.com/-unit-2-ecology.html

Nutrient Cycles Nutrients – substances an organism needs to sustain life. Every organism must have nutrients to build tissues and carry out essential life functions. The carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycle are important in passing nutrients through an ecosystem

The Carbon Cycle 4 processes that move carbon cycle: Biological Processes (photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition) Geochemical Processes (erosion and volcanic activity) Mixed Biogeochemical Processes (decomposition of dead organisms and their conversion to coal & fossil fuels) Human activities (mining, cutting and burning forests, burning fossil fuels)

Carbon Cycle CO2 in Atmosphere CO2 in Ocean Carbonate Rocks Photosynthesis Volcanic activity feeding Respiration Erosion Human activity Respiration Decomposition CO2 in Ocean Uplift Carbon is found in several large reservoirs in the biosphere. In the atmosphere, it is found as carbon dioxide gas; in the oceans as dissolved carbon dioxide; on land in organisms, rocks, and soil; and underground as coal, petroleum, and calcium carbonate rock.  Deposition Photosynthesis feeding Fossil fuel Deposition Carbonate Rocks

The Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is used to make amino acids. Nitrogen gas makes up 78% atmosphere But this is not usable So how does it all work then?

The Nitrogen Cycle The nitrogen goes through five main processes in the cycle Nitrification Assimilation Nitrogen Fixation Ammonification Denitrification

Nitrogen Fixation Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting Nitrogen gas into ammonia for use in the soil. It can accrue naturally in the ecosystem by bacteria Or created synthetically by industries and fertilizers

Nitrification Ammonia can be taken up directly by plants usually through their roots However most of the ammonia is converted into nitrates Achieved by autotrophic bacteria

Assimilation Assimilation is the process of plants taking in nitrogen from the soil They absorb the nitrogen through there roots from either ammonium or nitrate ions Animals then eat these plants and absorb the nitrogen

Ammonification When plants or animals die, or the animal expels waste, the initial form of nitrogen is organic Bacteria or fungi convert the organic nitrogen back to ammonium and back into the soil.

Denitrification Denitrification reduces nitrates to nitrogen gas This replenishes the atmosphere This process is created by bacteria that live deep in soil and aquatic sediment

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle NH3 N2 in Atmosphere NO3 and NO2 Synthetic fertilizer manufacturer Atmospheric nitrogen fixation Denitrification Uptake by producers Reuse by consumers Uptake by producers Reuse by consumers The atmosphere is the main reservoir of nitrogen in the biosphere. Nitrogen also cycles through the soil and through the tissues of living organisms.  Decomposition, excretion Decomposition, excretion Bacterial nitrogen fixation NO3 and NO2 NH3

The Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus remains mostly on land, in rock and soil minerals and in ocean sediments. Phosphorus moves through the food web in order to cycle. (see Figure 3-15)

Phosphorus Cycle Organisms Land Ocean Sediments Organic phosphate moves through the food web and to the rest of the ecosystem. NO MOVEMENT THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE!!! Organisms Phosphorus in the biosphere cycles among the land, ocean sediments, and living organisms. Land Ocean Sediments

Large percentage of the phosphate washes into water Plants and algae utilize the phosphate as nutrients Limiting agent in the growth of plants and algae

Human Inputs Come from synthetic fertilizers Sewage treatment plants Plants unable to utilize the phosphate Lost through water run-off Feed lots of animals lead to excessive run-off into streams Sewage treatment plants Without an expensive tertiary treatment, phosphate is not removed and leads to extra phosphate in the water

Nutrient Limitation Primary Productivity – the rate at which organic matter is created by producers in an ecosystem. Limiting Nutrient – a nutrient that limits the growth of organisms. Fertilizers help increase this nutrient and increase productivity. Algal Bloom – immediate increase in the amount of algae because of an increase in limiting nutrient.