stpm biology sulphur cycle

1. Sulphur
most
abundant
element
in the
universe
solid at
room
temperature.
brittle yellow,
tasteless
and
odorless
non-metallic
element
Present in
proteins,
amino acids,
vitamins, and
enzymes,
necessary for
plants and
animals
used for
fertilizers,
gunpowder,
matches, and
in insecticides
and
fungicides.

2. ELEMENTS INVOLVED IN CYCLE

3. +O2
Burning
of fossil
fuel
volcanic
eruptions
+H20
+Ammonia
+O2
+O2
Certain
marine
algae
anaerobic decay of
sulfur-containg
biological material in
swamps
Aerobic
O2 requiring
bacteria
(Thiobacillus
sp)
incorporate
with sulfur
decompose by
Desulphovibrio sp.
(organic S  H2S)
Oxidise by
Chromatium
Wind carries
Sulfuric acid and
ammonium salts
which falls to
earth in form of
Precipitation.
Rain
The remaining sulphur is lost into the oceans
depth combining with iron to form Ferrous
Sulfide which is responsible for the black color
of most marine sediments.

4. Effect
irritates
human
respiratory
tract
increased
incidences of
respiratory
illnesses such
as bronchitis ,
asthma, and
heart disease
Low level
of O2 in
blood
Causes major
damage to
vegetation in
areas
surrounding
the source of
emission
Reduced
plant
growth
Acid rain

5. Acid Rain
Low pH
level of soil
Nutrient
leaching
Low:
Macro
High:
Micro
High toxicity
(Al, Fe,
Manganese
toxicity)
Affects
activity of
microorganis
ms
Reduced humus
production,
mineralization
and nutrient
fixation
Nutrient
deficient soils