Chapter 24.6, Problem 40LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Nitrogen moves between the atmosphere and the biosphere are to be described.

Concept Introduction: The nitrogen cycle is a biogeochemical process through which nitrogen is changed into a variety of forms before returning to the atmosphere after first entering the soil and then organisms.

Answer to Problem 40LC

The nitrogen moves between the atmosphere and the biosphere through nitrogen cycle.

Explanation of Solution

The flow of nitrogen between the atmosphere and the biosphere is explained by the nitrogen cycle.

It involves a number of chemical reactions, including the fixation of nitrogen, nitrification, denitrification, decay, and putrefaction.

The nitrogen cycle's first stage is represented by nitrogen fixation. Here, atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is transformed into ammonia, a useful molecule that is predominantly available in an inert form (NH3).

The inert form of nitrogen gas is deposited into soils during the nitrogen fixation process from the atmosphere and surface waters, primarily through precipitation.

By virtue of the presence of bacteria in the soil, ammonia is transformed into nitrate throughout the nitration process. Ammonia is oxidized to create nitrates with the aid of the Nitrosomonas bacterial species.

By turning nitrate (NO3-) into gaseous nitrogen, the process of denitrification allows nitrogen compounds to return to the atmosphere (N). The nitrogen cycle's last stage takes place without the presence of oxygen.

Thus, nitrogen moves between the biosphere and atmosphere.