Nitrogen cycle
Part II of "Matter cycles": The nitrogen cycle
Nitrogen is a part of vital organic compounds in microrganisms, such as amino acids, proteins and DNA. The gaseous form of nitrogen (N2), makes up 78% of the troposphere. One might think this means we always have plenty of nitrogen available, but unfortunately it does not work that way. Nitrogen in the gaseous form cannot be absorbed and used as a nutrient by plants and animals; it must first be converted by nitrifying bacteria, so that it can enter food chains as a part of the nitrogen cycle. A schematic representation of the nitrogen cycle is shown here:
Nitrogen as a limiting factorAlthough the nitrogen conversion processes often occurs and large quantities of plant nutrients are produced, nitrogen is often a limiting factor for plant growth. Water flowing across the soil causes this error. Nitrogen nutrients are water-soluble and as a result they are easily drained away, so that they are no longer available for plants. The annamox reaction In 1999 researchers at the Gist-Brocades in Delft, The Netherlands, discovered a new reaction to be added to the nitrogen cycle; the so-called annamox reaction. This is now found to occur in the Black Sea, as well. The reaction implies conversion of nitrite and ammonium to pure nitrogen gas (N2), which than escapes to the atmosphere. The reaction mechanism is triggered by a newly discovered bacterium, called Brocadia anammoxidans. This appears to be a compartmentalized bacterium; within the cell membrane two compartments can be found which are also surrounded by a membrane, a very rare phenomenon. Intermediate products of the reaction included hydroxylamine, and toxic hydrazine compounds. The bacterial membranes were found to consists of badly permeable membranes, which are thought to function as a barrier for hydrazines produced within the cell. This discovery has major consequences, as it alters the entire contribution of oceans to the nitrogen balance. Source: NRC Handelsblad, 12-04-2003 For more information on nitrogen, move to the periodic chart Back to main page of matter cycles To the matter cycles pollution page |
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