Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Processes
Nitrogen is present in the environment in a wide variety of chemical forms including organic nitrogen,
+ − −
ammonium (NH4 ), nitrite (NO2 ), nitrate (NO3 ), nitrous oxide (N2 O), nitric oxide (NO) or inorganic
nitrogen gas (N2 ). Organic nitrogen may be in the form of a living organism, humus or in the intermediate
products of organic matter decomposition. The processes in the nitrogen cycle is to transform nitrogen from
one form to another. Many of those processes are carried out by microbes, either in their effort to harvest
energy or to accumulate nitrogen in a form needed for their growth. For example, the nitrogenous wastes in
animal urine are broken down by nitrifying bacteria in the soil to be used by plants. The diagram alongside
shows how these processes fit together to form the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrogen fixation
The conversion of nitrogen gas (N2 ) into nitrates and nitrites through atmospheric, industrial and biological
processes is called nitrogen fixation. Atmospheric nitrogen must be processed, or "fixed", into a usable
form to be taken up by plants. Between 5 and 10 billion kg per year are fixed by lightning strikes, but most
fixation is done by free-living or symbiotic bacteria known as diazotrophs. These bacteria have the
nitrogenase enzyme that combines gaseous nitrogen with hydrogen to produce ammonia, which is
converted by the bacteria into other organic compounds. Most biological nitrogen fixation occurs by the
activity of molybdenum (Mo)-nitrogenase, found in a wide variety of bacteria and some Archaea. Mo-
nitrogenase is a complex two-component enzyme that has multiple metal-containing prosthetic groups.[22]
An example of free-living bacteria is Azotobacter. Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium
usually live in the root nodules of legumes (such as peas, alfalfa, and locust trees). Here they form a
mutualistic relationship with the plant, producing ammonia in exchange for carbohydrates. Because of this
relationship, legumes will often increase the nitrogen content of nitrogen-poor soils. A few non-legumes can
also form such symbioses. Today, about 30% of the total fixed nitrogen is produced industrially using the
Haber-Bosch process,[23] which uses high temperatures and pressures to convert nitrogen gas and a
hydrogen source (natural gas or petroleum) into ammonia.[24]
Assimilation
Plants can absorb nitrate or ammonium from the soil by their root hairs. If nitrate is absorbed, it is first
reduced to nitrite ions and then ammonium ions for incorporation into amino acids, nucleic acids, and
chlorophyll. In plants that have a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia, some nitrogen is assimilated in the
form of ammonium ions directly from the nodules. It is now known that there is a more complex cycling of
amino acids between Rhizobia bacteroids and plants. The plant provides amino acids to the bacteroids so
ammonia assimilation is not required and the bacteroids pass amino acids (with the newly fixed nitrogen)
back to the plant, thus forming an interdependent relationship.[25] While many animals, fungi, and other
heterotrophic organisms obtain nitrogen by ingestion of amino acids, nucleotides, and other small organic
molecules, other heterotrophs (including many bacteria) are able to utilize inorganic compounds, such as
ammonium as sole N sources. Utilization of various N sources is carefully regulated in all organisms.
Ammonification
When a plant or animal dies or an animal expels waste, the initial form of nitrogen is organic. Bacteria or
+
fungi convert the organic nitrogen within the remains back into ammonium (NH4 ), a process called
ammonification or mineralization. Enzymes involved are:
Nitrification
Denitrification
Denitrification is the reduction of nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2 ), completing the nitrogen cycle. This
process is performed by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Paracoccus, under anaerobic
conditions. They use the nitrate as an electron acceptor in the place of oxygen during respiration. These
facultatively (meaning optionally) anaerobic bacteria can also live in aerobic conditions. Denitrification
happens in anaerobic conditions e.g. waterlogged soils. The denitrifying bacteria use nitrates in the soil to
carry out respiration and consequently produce nitrogen gas, which is inert and unavailable to plants.
Denitrification occurs in free-living microorganisms as well as obligate symbionts of anaerobic ciliates.[29]
Classical representation of nitrogen Flow of nitrogen through the ecosystem. Bacteria
cycle are a key element in the cycle, providing different
forms of nitrogen compounds able to be
assimilated by higher organisms
Ammonium is thought to be the preferred source of fixed nitrogen for phytoplankton because its
assimilation does not involve a redox reaction and therefore requires little energy. Nitrate requires a redox
reaction for assimilation but is more abundant so most phytoplankton have adapted to have the enzymes
necessary to undertake this reduction (nitrate reductase). There are a few notable and well-known
exceptions that include most Prochlorococcus and some Synechococcus that can only take up nitrogen as
ammonium.[42]
The nutrients in the ocean are not uniformly distributed. Areas of upwelling provide supplies of nitrogen
from below the euphotic zone. Coastal zones provide nitrogen from runoff and upwelling occurs readily
along the coast. However, the rate at which nitrogen can be taken up by phytoplankton is decreased in
oligotrophic waters year-round and temperate water in the summer resulting in lower primary
production.[45] The distribution of the different forms of nitrogen varies throughout the oceans as well.
Nitrate is depleted in near-surface water except in upwelling regions. Coastal upwelling regions usually
have high nitrate and chlorophyll levels as a result of the increased production. However, there are regions
of high surface nitrate but low chlorophyll that are referred to as HNLC (high nitrogen, low chlorophyll)
regions. The best explanation for HNLC regions relates to iron scarcity in the ocean, which may play an
important part in ocean dynamics and
nutrient cycles. The input of iron varies
by region and is delivered to the ocean
by dust (from dust storms) and leached
out of rocks. Iron is under
consideration as the true limiting
element to ecosystem productivity in
the ocean.
New production is an important component of the marine environment. One reason is that only continual
input of new nitrogen can determine the total capacity of the ocean to produce a sustainable fish harvest.[45]
Harvesting fish from regenerated nitrogen areas will lead to a decrease in nitrogen and therefore a decrease
in primary production. This will have a negative effect on the system. However, if fish are harvested from
areas of new nitrogen the nitrogen will be replenished.
Future acidification
As illustrated by the diagram on the
right, additional carbon dioxide is
absorbed by the ocean and reacts with
water, carbonic acid is formed and
broken down into both bicarbonate
+
(H2 CO3 ) and hydrogen (H ) ions
(gray arrow), which reduces
bioavailable carbonate and decreases
ocean pH (black arrow). This is likely
to enhance nitrogen fixation by
diazotrophs (gray arrow), which utilize
+
H ions to convert nitrogen into
bioavailable forms such as ammonia
+
(NH3 ) and ammonium ions (NH4 ).
However, as pH decreases, and more
ammonia is converted to ammonium
ions (gray arrow), there is less
– Marine nitrogen cycle under future ocean acidification [39]
oxidation of ammonia to nitrite (NO2 ),
resulting in an overall decrease in
nitrification and denitrification (black arrows). This in turn would lead to a further build up of fixed
nitrogen in the ocean, with the potential consequence of eutrophication. Gray arrows represent an increase
while black arrows represent a decrease in the associated process.[39]
Ammonia (NH3 ) in the atmosphere has tripled as the result of human activities. It is a reactant in the
atmosphere, where it acts as an aerosol, decreasing air quality and clinging to water droplets, eventually
resulting in nitric acid (HNO3 ) that produces acid rain. Atmospheric ammonia and nitric acid also damage
respiratory systems.
The very high temperature of lightning naturally produces small amounts of NOx , NH3 , and HNO3 , but
high-temperature combustion has contributed to a 6- or 7-fold increase in the flux of NOx to the
atmosphere. Its production is a function of combustion temperature - the higher the temperature, the more
NOx is produced. Fossil fuel combustion is a primary contributor, but so are biofuels and even the burning
of hydrogen. However, the rate that hydrogen is directly injected into the combustion chambers of internal
combustion engines can be controlled to prevent the higher combustion temperatures that produce NOx .
Ammonia and nitrous oxides actively alter atmospheric chemistry. They are precursors of tropospheric
(lower atmosphere) ozone production, which contributes to smog and acid rain, damages plants and
increases nitrogen inputs to ecosystems. Ecosystem processes can increase with nitrogen fertilization, but
anthropogenic input can also result in nitrogen saturation, which weakens productivity and can damage the
health of plants, animals, fish, and humans.[28]
Decreases in biodiversity can also result if higher nitrogen availability increases nitrogen-demanding
grasses, causing a degradation of nitrogen-poor, species-diverse heathlands.[51]
Additional risks posed by increased availability of inorganic nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems include water
acidification; eutrophication of fresh and saltwater systems; and toxicity issues for animals, including
humans.[55] Eutrophication often leads to lower dissolved oxygen levels in the water column, including
hypoxic and anoxic conditions, which can cause death of aquatic fauna. Relatively sessile benthos, or
bottom-dwelling creatures, are particularly vulnerable because of their lack of mobility, though large fish
kills are not uncommon. Oceanic dead zones near the mouth of the Mississippi in the Gulf of Mexico are a
well-known example of algal bloom-induced hypoxia.[56][57] The New York Adirondack Lakes, Catskills,
Hudson Highlands, Rensselaer Plateau and parts of Long Island display the impact of nitric acid rain
deposition, resulting in the killing of fish and many other aquatic species.[58]
Ammonia (NH3 ) is highly toxic to fish and the level of ammonia discharged from wastewater treatment
facilities must be closely monitored. To prevent fish deaths, nitrification via aeration prior to discharge is
often desirable. Land application can be an attractive alternative to the aeration.
Leakage of Nr (reactive nitrogen) from human activities can cause nitrate accumulation in the natural water
environment, which can create harmful impacts on human health. Excessive use of N-fertilizer in
agriculture has been one of the major sources of nitrate pollution in groundwater and surface water.[59][60]
Due to its high solubility and low retention by soil, nitrate can easily escape from the subsoil layer to the
groundwater, causing nitrate pollution. Some other non-point sources for nitrate pollution in groundwater
are originated from livestock feeding, animal and human contamination and municipal and industrial waste.
Since groundwater often serves as the primary domestic water supply, nitrate pollution can be extended
from groundwater to surface and drinking water in the process of potable water production, especially for
small community water supplies, where poorly regulated and unsanitary waters are used.[61]
− −
The WHO standard for drinking water is 50 mg NO3 L−1 for short-term exposure, and for 3 mg NO3 L−1
chronic effects.[62] Once it enters the human body, nitrate can react with organic compounds through
nitrosation reactions in the stomach to form nitrosamines and nitrosamides, which are involved in some
types of cancers (e.g., oral cancer and gastric cancer).[63]
Human activities have also dramatically altered the global nitrogen cycle via production of nitrogenous
gases, associated with the global atmospheric nitrogen pollution. There are multiple sources of atmospheric
reactive nitrogen (Nr) fluxes. Agricultural sources of reactive nitrogen can produce atmospheric emission of
ammonia (NH3 ), nitrogen oxides (NOx ) and nitrous oxide (N2 O). Combustion processes in energy
production, transportation and industry can also result in the formation of new reactive nitrogen via the
emission of NOx , an unintentional waste product. When those reactive nitrogens are released to the lower
atmosphere, they can induce the formation of smog, particulate matter and aerosols, all of which are major
contributors to adverse health effects on human health from air pollution.[64] In the atmosphere, NO2 can
be oxidized to nitric acid (HNO3 ), and it can further react with NH3 to form ammonium nitrate, which
facilitates the formation of particular nitrate. Moreover, NH3 can react with other acid gases (sulfuric and
hydrochloric acids) to form ammonium-containing particles, which are the precursors for the secondary
organic aerosol particles in photochemical smog.[65]
See also
Planetary boundaries – Limits not to be exceeded if humanity wants to survive in a safe
ecosystem
Phosphorus cycle – Biogeochemical movement
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