Question

2. Describe a scenario in which the microbial carbon and nitrogen cycles are linked due to nutrient excess. What biological processes occur, and what are the

                          environmental implications?

Answer 1

Ans: Large scale growth of algae in water bodies is the scenario where carbon and nitrogen cycles are linked due to nutrient excess. When there high amount of nutrients (nitrates) in the water body, algae grows in large amount, which play its role in carbon cycle by photosynthesis. Hence, nitrogen and carbon cycles are interlinked.

Following biological process occuring in this scenario:

Eutrophication: In this large amount of algae grows in water bodies using the excess nutrient present in it.

Photosynthesis: In this, algae make its own food used to provide it energy for growth. In this, CO2 is taken and biomass is formed.

Environmental implications: This scenario had bad environmental implications. Large growth of algae on surface of water prevents light and oxygen to go into the water. Due to this, aquatic animals and plants have survival problem.