Human Interaction on Biogeochemistry By Moshe S-K and Nina Stein

Biogeochemical cycles: The cyclic flow of nutrients between non-living environment and living organisms is known as biogeochemical cycle. It is the process of transfer and circulation of the essential chemical nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen in biosphere.

Human affect on Carbon Cycle Since 1850 we have consumed increasing amounts of fossil fuels The burning of coal, oil, and wood has released more CO2 than the carbon cycle can handle The rise in CO2 levels may be causing global warming (climate change, rise in sea level, agricultural problems)

Affects on Nitrogen Cycle Amount of fixed nitrogen in nitrogen cycle doubled in 20th century Runoff from farmland due to precipitation brings nitrogen from fertilizer into waterways, which increases algae growth More algae leads to more decomposition of algae which decreases levels of dissolved oxygen in waterways which is harmful to aquatic life Nitrogen also leaches into groundwater which is consumed by humans Water contaminated by nitrogen is harmful to humans

Affects on Phosphorus Cycle Humans accelerate the long-term loss of phosphorus on the land Runoff causes the phosphorus to enter waterways Enters sewage systems after humans consume beef from cows who consumed phosphorus that was in their food Treatment plants don’t remove phosphorus Phosphorus remains for millions of years

And now an awesome cartoon that basically explains all this… o3DH_ny_s&feature=related o3DH_ny_s&feature=related