Nitrogen Cycle + Eutrophication

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification, allowing nitrogen to move through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.

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What is eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen, which can harm aquatic life.

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What does 'algal bloom' refer to in eutrophication?

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Algal bloom refers to the rapid increase in the number of algae in water bodies, often due to excess nutrients, which can lead to oxygen depletion.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen from dead plants and animals is converted into ammonia by bacteria.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia or related compounds in the soil, primarily by bacteria.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates by bacteria in the soil.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.

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How does eutrophication affect aquatic organisms?

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Eutrophication can lead to the death of aquatic organisms due to the lack of oxygen in the water, caused by the decomposition of dead algae.

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What causes eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is caused by excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, building up in water bodies, often from agricultural runoff and wastewater.

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What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

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Assimilation is the process by which plants absorb nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrates and use it to build proteins and nucleic acids.