Question

Marine science 1A : unit 2: the science of water: have you ever seen any dirty fish tank covered in green slime? Well that’s nitrogen cycle at work in the aquatic environment in this unit we learned about how nitrogen moves through both living and nonliving things and takes many different forms during its cycle through an ecosystem now it’s time to dive into depths of the ocean to explore the journey that nitrogen takes in aquatic environment, The interrelatedness of atmospheric (air) hydrological (water) and biological (life) systems in an aquatic environment. Final product make sure to include : atmospheric nitrogen , soil, ammonia , nitrogen dioxide, eat, bacteria , dentrification , waves , marine plants

Answer 1

Marine Science 1A: Unit 2 - The Science of Water: Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle in Aquatic Environments

Introduction to the Nitrogen Cycle: The nitrogen cycle is a crucial ecological process that illustrates how nitrogen moves through both living organisms and the nonliving environment, forming an essential part of our aquatic ecosystems. In this unit, we explore how nitrogen is transformed into different forms, highlighting its interrelatedness with atmospheric, hydrological, and biological systems.

Key Components of the Nitrogen Cycle:

1. Atmospheric Nitrogen (N2): The nitrogen cycle begins in the atmosphere, where nitrogen gas (N2) comprises about 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. While atmospheric nitrogen is abundant, it is not directly usable by most living organisms without a process known as nitrogen fixation.

2. Nitrogen Fixation: Certain bacteria and archaea (especially symbiotic ones found in the root nodules of leguminous plants) convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH3) through nitrogen fixation. This process occurs in soil and water environments, turning unusable nitrogen gas into a form that can be taken up by plants.

3. Ammonia to Nitrites: Once ammonia is introduced into the environment, it can undergo nitrification, where ammonia is oxidized first to nitrites (NO2-) by bacteria, which play an essential role in transforming nitrogen into forms that are bioavailable.

4. Nitrites to Nitrates: Further oxidation converts nitrites into nitrates (NO3-), another form that plants can absorb and utilize for growth.

5. Uptake by Marine Plants: Marine plants, including seaweeds and phytoplankton, absorb these nitrates from the water. As they grow, they incorporate nitrogen into their cellular structures, effectively transferring nitrogen from the nonliving to the living world.

6. Decomposition and Ammonification: When plants and animals die or excrete waste, the nitrogen in their bodies is released back into the environment through a process called ammonification, converting organic nitrogen back into ammonia.

7. Denitrification: Under certain conditions, a different group of bacteria can convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas through denitrification. This process typically occurs in low-oxygen environments, often found in overly saturated soils or waterlogged areas. The gas is released into the atmosphere, completing the nitrogen cycle.

The Role of Waves in Nitrogen Cycling: In aquatic environments, physical forces such as waves contribute to the nitrogen cycle. Waves help mix nutrient-rich water from deeper regions with surface waters, enhancing nitrogen availability for marine organisms. This mixing process facilitates the distribution of nitrogen compounds throughout the ecosystem.

Conclusion: Understanding the nitrogen cycle and the interrelatedness of atmospheric, hydrological, and biological systems is essential for grasping how aquatic ecosystems function. From atmospheric nitrogen to soil bacteria, ammonia, and the role of marine plants, each component plays an integral part in the sustenance of life in oceans and other water bodies. By recognizing the intricate connections within the nitrogen cycle, we can better appreciate the balance and health of aquatic environments.