Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
13
Nitrogen, Sulfur,
Phosphorus, and
Other Nutrients
Nitrogen
Nitrogen Forms
Nitrogen Fluxes
Nitrogen Cycle
Sulfer
Sulfur Forms
Sulfur Transformations
Sulfur Cycle
Phosphorus
Phosphorus Forms
Phosphorus Transformations
Silicon, Iron, and Other Trace Nutrient Cycles
Silicon
Iron
Gradients of Redox and Nutrient Cycles and Interactions among the
Cycles
Summary
Questions for Thought
In addition to carbon, other nutrients are central to the way that
aquatic ecosystems function. Some forms of these nutrients, such as sulfide,
ammonium, and nitrate, can cause water quality problems if they are pres-
ent in large quantities. In addition, primary production can be limited by
one or more of these nutrients (most commonly phosphorus and nitrogen),
so knowledge of their forms and cycling is an important part of under-
standing ecosystem function. This chapter discusses cycling of nitrogen,
sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and silicon. The nutrient cycles are all interre-
lated; none stands alone. Thus, the chapter concludes with a discussion on
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