CHAPTER 3

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLE - a pathway by which a chemical substance moves through biotic and
abiotic compartments of Earth.

Types of Biogeochemical Cycles

1. Gaseous type - the atmosphere constitutes the major reservoir of the element that exists there in
gaseous phase. Ex. Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen cycles.
2. Sedimentary type - major reservoir is the lithosphere, from which the elements are released by
weathering. Ex. Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Iodine cycles.
3. Water cycle – a. included in the gaseous type - Odum (1963)
b. considers it to be a separate major cycle, involving the movement of a
compound, while the others involve the movement of elements - Kormondy
(1969)

IMPORTANT CYCLES

1. CARBON CYCLE – carbon travels from the atmosphere into

organisms and the Earth and then back into the atmosphere.

2. NITROGEN CYCLE - nitrogen is converted into multiple

chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial,
and marine ecosystems.

3. NUTRIENT CYCLE - movement and exchange of organic and

inorganic matter back into the production of matter.
4. OXYGEN CYCLE - cycle of oxygen within its four main
reservoirs: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and the
lithosphere.

5. PHOSPHORUS CYCLE - describes the movement of

phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

6. SULPHUR CYCLE - collection of processes by which sulfur moves to and from minerals and
living systems.

7. ROCK CYCLE - a group of changes. Igneous rock can change

into sedimentary rock or into metamorphic rock. Sedimentary rock
can change into metamorphic rock or into igneous rock.
Metamorphic rock can change into igneous or sedimentary rock.

8. WATER CYCLE - describes the continuous movement of water

on, above and below the surface of the Earth.
 Nature of elements transported in biogeochemical cycles

When living organisms die and decay their body structure/molecules combines to the
biogeochemical cycle, these molecules/elements are categorized as:

Micro elements – these are elements required by living organisms in smaller amounts. Ex.
Boron, Copper, Molybdenum
Macro elements – these are elements required by living organisms in larger amounts. Ex.
Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen

IMPORTANCE OF BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLE

 enable the transformation of matter from one form to another. This transformation enables the
utilization of matter in a form specific to particular organisms.
 enable the transfer of molecules from one locality to another.
 facilitate the storage of elements.
 assists in functioning of ecosystems.
 link living organisms with living organisms, living organisms with the non living organisms and
nonliving organisms with non living organism.
 regulate the flow of substances.

Human activities and their influence on biogeochemical cycles and climate change

 Use of phosphorus fertilizers

 Mining of Fossil fuel

 Production of Sulphur dioxide

 Cultivation of legumes and use of nitrogen fertilizers