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The Sulfur Cycle
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The Sulfur Cycle
Human Impact on Cycle
During the process of burning fossil fuels humans have increased the amount of sulfur in the atmosphere thus creating pollution.
This pollution leads to acid rain which damage structures.
Decomposition releases sulfate salts (SO4^-2) taken up by plants as well as gaseous hydrogen sulfide.
Plants get sulfur by taking up ion sulfates salts (SO4^2-) from the soil.
All living things need sulfur to make proteins.
Once on Ground
Animals get there sulfur by eating plants. Once the animal dies or plant decay happens.
Some hydrogen sulfide enters the atmosphere.
This processes recycles the sulfur back into the atmosphere, and the cycle begins again.
Atmosphere
Decay of Anaerobic Bacteria
Certain algae release dimethyl sulfide. When this dimethyl sulfide reacts with o2 it produces sulfur dioxide
(SO4^2- + 2H+ = H2SO4)
Sulfur dioxide gas also gets released into the atmosphere by volcanoes, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Sulfur dioxide reacts with atmospheric oxygen to produce sulfur trioxide (SO3).
Sulfur Cycle
When there is no oxygen present the anaerobic bacteria doesn't use it and results in the formation of sulfur gas.
Sulfur trioxide reacts with tiny water droplets to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Sulfur trioxide reacts with ammonia to produce ammonium salts.
Wind carry droplets of sulfuric acid and particles of sulfate salts which fall into earth in acid deposition.
The sulfur cycle is the movement that sulfur goes through.
Sulfur is important because it makes up many proteins and co factors- such as enzymes.
Human Impact
The burning of coal and other resources by humans have drastically changed the levels of sulfur in the atmosphere.
Because of mankind's impact, sulfur levels have increased and have resulted in acid rain-which damage man made structures and natural ones as well.
The aerobic bacteria use Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) to produce Sulfate salt (SO4^2-)
The Sulfate salts are then taken up by plants and re-enter the food chain/web.
Decay of Aerobic Bacteria
a. Hydrogen sulfide can be oxidized to elemental sulfur:
H2S + 1/2 O2 -----> So + H2O + energy
b. Elemental sulfur in turn can be oxidized to sulfate:
So + 1 1/2 O2 + H2O ---> SO4^2- + 2 H^+ + energy
Emission of Sulfur into the Atmosphere
- Volcanic eruptions
- Break down of sulfate containing biological material in tidal flats
- Hot springs