Importance of the Nitrogen Cycle

Importance of the Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen cycle is the central to the biogeochemistry of the Earth, which occupies 79% within the air. Nitrogen is an essential element for plants and animals to grow and to survive. (Soetan, Olaiya Oyewole, 2010). There are 7 atoms number of symbol of N. The life time of reactive nitrogen in atmosphere and in terrestrial are a few weeks and a few decades respectively. (Fowler et al., 2013) This essay would be focusing on the nitrogen cycle, human activity and impact on environment. Nitrogen cannot be bio-used directly, which needs to be transferred by different process such as nitrogen cycle include fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification and anaerobic ammonia oxidation. Nitrogen fixation is to turn atmospheric nitrogen into a usable fixed form for plants. (Mior, JWB(editor)2011) Assimilation is the process of how plants absorb nitrogen from soil. (Smil, V. 2000) Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from expels waste to ammonium. Nitrification is the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. Denitrification is the process of turning nitrates to nitrogen gas, which is the final stage of completing the nitrogen cycle. The biological process of anaerobic ammonia oxidation is to convert nitrite and ammonia to molecular nitrogen. (Nitrogen cycle, 2017). For instance, nitrogen gas would process nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil or root nodules or lightning, hence to become nitrate compounds. Ammonia can also be converted to nitrates after being converted to ammonia(NH3) (Nitrogen fixation) by the Haber process and converted in the soil or break down and return nitrogen to the air. Proteins would be built up after the plants absorb nitrates from the soil and wait for being eaten by animals, and become animal protein. The nitrogenous wastes in animal urine would become ammonia (process of decomposers or ammonification) and back into soil. Furthermore, the bead bodes of organisms would also being beak down to ammonia and back into soil. (BBC, 2006) In addition, human activities would change the nitrogen cycle base on different factors. Nitrogen would increase with the increases of fossil fuel combustion. Due to the process, would transfer fixed nitrogen from long-term geological reservoirs to the atmosphere. ( Vitousek, P, et al., 1997) Vitousek, P, et al. in 1997 state that human activities increased the quantity of organic carbon stored within terrestrial ecosystems; accelerated losses of biological diversity, especially losses of plants adapted to efficient use of nitrogen, and losses of the animals and microorganisms that depend on them; and caused changes in the composition and functioning of estuarine and nearshore ecosystems, and contributed to long-term declines in coastal marine fisheries Eichner (1990), Schlesinger and Hartley (1992) state that human has impacts on atmosphere and the concentration of volatile NH3 in soils by the agricultural fertilization increases, thus, increase the process of fixed nitrogen and the release more nitrogen gases from soils and groundwater. Nitrogen is a key element that controlling different facets of the earth. Different level of available nitrogen would affect many original plant species and their predators. Therefore, combustion of fossil fuel and many other human activities that increase the level of nitrogen would have environment consequences. Nitrous oxide(N2O) are contributing to climate change. Nitrous oxide is naturally present in small quantities in the atmosphere, however, human activities are increasing the amount in the atmosphere. Nitrogen occupies a important position on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Although nitrogen can cool the effect on climate change, however, the contribution of aerosols makes greater carbon dioxide due to nitrogen fertilization. Furthermore, N2O is a powerful greenhouse gas that causes stratospheric ozone layer depletion. (The nitrogen cascade excess nitrogen in the environment. 2014) In conclusion, ecosystem have own adjustment function to maintain the conditions pre cedent of organism. However, human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, increase the level of nitrogen, thus, cause the influence of biodiversity and damages of ecosystem. Chain reaction occur after a significant rise of biosphere N2 emissions, for instance: greenhouse gases, accelerated losses of biological diversity and losses of plants adapted to efficient use of nitrogen. Due to human growing population, decreasing the fixation of nitrogen will be a difficult challenge situation in the future. One the other hand, serval ways that can stop the loss of nitrogen from farmland and protect water courses, thus, contributes to plants eutrophication. This type of methods can contribute to the nitrogen-limited waters area. Furthermore, the improvements of the efficiency of burning fossil fuel can also reduce the emissions. The most important factor is to transfer knowledge to developing country. Reference list: BBC. (2006, September 15). GCSE Bitesize: Nitrogen cycle. Retrieved from BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_gateway_pre_2011/greenworld/recyclingrev2.shtml Fowler D et al. 2013 The global nitrogen cycle in the twenty-first century. Phil Trans R Soc B 368: 20130164. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2013.0164 Nitrogen cycle. (2017, February 15). Retrieved February 18, 2017, from Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_cycle Schlesinger, W., Hartley, A. (1992). A global budget for atmospheric NH3. Biogeochemistry, 15(3), . doi:10.1007/bf00002936 Smil,V (2000(. Cycles of life. Scientific American Library, New York Soetan, K. O., Olaiya, C. O., Oyewole, O. E. (2010). The importance of mineral elements for humans, domestic animals and plants: A review. African Journal of Food Science, 4(5), 200-222. Retrieved from http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1380713863_Soetan%20et%20al.pdf The nitrogen cascade excess nitrogen in the environment. (2014). . Retrieved from http://www.unep.org/yearbook/2014/PDF/chapt1.pdf Vitousek, P. M. et al. (1997). HUMAN ALTERATION OF THE GLOBAL NITROGEN CYCLE: SOURCES AND CONSEQUENCES. Ecological Applications, 7: 737-750. doi:10.1890/1051-0761(1997)007[0737:HAOTGN]2.0.CO;2

Impact of the Internet on Society

Dominic Lobban Impact of the Internet on Society The goal of this paper is to research and analyze the positive and negative effects of the internet and its integration with technology on people in their socialization, learning and interpersonal relationships. The internet offers many advantages and disadvantages to our society, therefore it is important to understand how the internet can affect our society so that we can all benefit from it. In recent decades, the internet has visibly impacted our lives and our daily patterns.E-commerce, social-networks and search engines are just a few of the ways that have changed the way we work, communicate and acquire knowledge. For this paper, a survey was prepared by way of an online questionnaire as well as personal interviews in order to figure out in what was the internet was helping or hurting people in their own lives and to get a broader sense of its impact on society in general. A common assumption about today generation is that the yo uth area attached to their computers and mobile devices to their detriment.It is thought that these people are often detached from society and are missing out on opportunities for social interaction and development resulting in an increase in loneliness and depression. Its is also seen as a substitute for in-person relationship especially when referenced to social networking sites, blogs and instant messengers. On the other hand, it can be said that this same technology has allowed people to form closer relationships than ever before. People are now able to meet new people, discuss topics and elaborate on ideas without having to deal with social barriers such as fears of offending people or shyness.It can also allow for closer relationships between friends and family because they are able to facilitate closer communication among friends and family. For this study, the survey method was used through the use of questionnaires given to a small sample of people in online and in-person s urveys. In this study, consideration to their age, sex or education status was taken as one entity and the similarities as well as differences and trends were analyzed. The survey method was picked for this study because it offered the opportunity to gather information about a larger number of subjects in the easiest way possible.The problem with using the survey method is that is does not accurately represent the general population as a whole and the answers can sometimes be subject to bias and distortion. After analyzing the questionnaire, the findings show that most people who use the internet are teens and young adults who use the internet main for entertainment. They find it much easier to express themselves through text rather than in person especially when dealing with the opposite sex. As a result, they are better able to form close relationships especially with people they may not know in person.However, teenagers are more likely to be victims of internet predators and be e xposed to inappropriate language and content during a time in their life when they are still vulnerable and developing mentally. When people feel lonely, they get on the internet to chat with their friends or anonymous people but excessive use of the internet can lead to isolation from friends and family and result in depression. Ironically, people who are depressed tend to use the internet as an escape.In addition, excessive use of the internet involving unproductive activities can result in a slow-down of mental growth and turn the users attention away from more constructive activities. Even so the internet is an important part of peoples lives as it allows for faster and better access to entertainment, shopping, information and communication. Some people have said that they have been successful in eliminating their reliance to these diversions and claim to be much happier because of it and there are people who claim that it makes their life better and that they could not life a d ay without it.For many years during previous decades, there was a certain level of social stigmas regarding the internet and concern about its effect on to social skills of the new generation. To older people who did not grow up with the internet, it would appear that it was all but a lonely and time wasting activity when all they saw was their child or grandchild by them selves staring at a screen for a sizable amount of hours. In the current generation what grew up closely with it, they have embraced it as a part of their lives and express their new found freedom and inter-connectivity through the invention of things like Facebook and the Iphone.The cliche that can be said though is that inevitably everything is bad if not done in moderation. The survey method was appropriate for this study because it was the most time-efficiency and relevant way to gather this type of information. The problem of accuracy can be addressed in a few ways. The first being to greatly increase the samp le in order to reduce the influence of deviations and errors. The other is to incorporate observational studies in order to reduce bias and distortion. More detailed information can be gathered even though it might not be representative of the general public.

Humanism - 1439 Words

Through criticism toward cruel rule of aristocrats and bloody revolution of people and praise humanity, A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens demonstrates his humanistic thinking perfectly. Main figures’ experiences and analysis of their characters is an important aspect to understand the theme this novel reveals. Key words: Dickens A Tale of Two Cities Humanism Humanity Humanism is an important subject in Charles Dickens’ works. Among his many famous works, A Tale of Two Cities is the most outstanding one which vividly expresses the author’s humanistic thinking. A Tale of Two Cities, based on the background of the French Revolution, shows brutal social reality and sharp conflicts between classes in France and England at that time.†¦show more content†¦Lucie, Manatee’s daughter and Darnay’s wife, is embodiment of love. She tried her best to take care of her fragile father. Owing to her deep love, Dr. Manette could forget agony past and return to normal life. She is also a virtuous wife. She loves her husband so much that when knowing him in great trouble in France, she gave up peaceful life in London and left for terrible Paris immediately. She did everything she could to rescue her husband, and even begged Madame Defarge for pardon. Out of the belief that Darnay might see her, she insisted on standing on the opposite of the prison for two hours everyday no matter it was fair weather or bad one. Lucie not only held deep love to her family and friends, but also showed her compassion and sympathy to surrounding people. When Darnay was still a stranger for her, she showed deep concern to him, as said in the book, â€Å"Her forehead had been strikingly expressive of an engrossing terror and compassion that saw nothing but the peril of the accused. This had been so very noticeable, so very powerfully and naturally shown, that starers who had had no pity for him were touched by her†(â‘  p54). To Carton, Lucie also expressed genuine concern and love and swept for his despair and depression. As she told her new-married husband, â€Å"He has a heart he very, very seldom reveal, and that there are deep wounds in it†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦I’m sure he is capable ofShow MoreRelatedHumanism Essay464 Words   |  2 PagesHumanism Encarta Dictionary says that Humanism is a system of thought that centers on human beings and their values, capacities and worth. Encarta also goes on the say that, in philosophy, humanism is an attitude that emphasizes the dignity and worth of an individual. A basic premise of humanism is that people are rational beings who possess within themselves the capacity for truth and goodness. I see myself as a being a humanist through everyday life. I always try to see the good in a personRead MoreThe Philosophical Point Of Humanism1733 Words   |  7 Pages intellect.gif (9933 bytes) Renaissance Humanism Humanism is the term generally applied to the predominant social philosophy and intellectual and literary currents of the period from 1400 to 1650. The return to favor of the pagan classics stimulated the philosophy of secularism, the appreciation of worldly pleasures, and above all intensified the assertion of personal independence and individual expression. Zeal for the classics was a result as well as a cause of the growing secular view of lifeRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Arts1289 Words   |  5 Pageschanged, religion could no longer control their lives and Allowed advancements in all characteristics of life to virtually improved. Through the period of the Renaissance, ideas and beliefs changed greatly. Humanism played a significant role in the advancements of the Renaissance. 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In combination they suggest a virus, though singly they are innocuous, if not healthyRead MoreRenaissance Humanism : The Renaissance1209 Words   |  5 PagesRenaissance Humanism The renaissance is by its definition a rebirth of the classical methods of the ancients (Dictionary.) Through the study of the text and the artwork that defined this period we are able to see the transition from a dark, apocalyptic world, to a reinvigorated and bright new era which was dominated by titan of artistry such as Donatello. Because Italy was so well situated in a land that was formally the Roman Empire, and its economic links to lands of heavy Greek influence RenaissanceRead More The Renaissance and Humanism Essay1795 Words   |  8 PagesThe Renaissance and Humanism You may wonder about, The Renaissance and its relationship to another term, humanism which fits into the same time period. If you check the dictionary, you will find that both terms can be used in a broad sense or more specifically. 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The aspect of humanism first thrived in 14th century Italy, and later spread north in the 15th century. Initially humanistic ideas about education were quickly adopted by the Italian upper class. The Italian ideas and attitudes towards life and learning impacted nobility in other parts of Europe. They were able to accept and adapt to th is new lifestyle. Humanism during the Renaissance

Christian s As A Religion - 880 Words

In addition to Christian’s malleable and easy to join style, alongside the strong devotion set forth by its early followers there is, in my opinion, the last characteristic I feel that contributed greatly to Christian’s grow as a religion is this: leadership. It comes down to one last pivotal characteristic of the Christian religion, its fourth-fathers took the word of Christ and believed it should be taught to all. Unlike other religions the strict ideas of who and what had to be done to be a Christian were not there, it was simple to follow the teachings of Christ, in the way best understood by the interrupter using simple guidelines. The leadership believe in their job of spreading the word, their actions lead to the religion being so open, while also generating the original feelings of total devotion, as most personally met Jesus, which prompted them to fully commit themselves to their goals. It was this structure that carried Christianity forward after Emperor Cons tantine, with the practice of the religion allowed and feelings of disdain towards the more barbaric peoples and ways of life still around Christianity began to flourish. â€Å"We decree also that we shall cease from making sacrifices† (the codex theodosianus), in 438 A.D. failure to follow this would result in such civil liberties being taken away as the ability to right or invoke a will, as well as, being killed by the sword. This increase of power in the church is due to its solid leadership, as talked about inShow MoreRelatedChristianity, A Form Of Religion Based On The Person And Teachings950 Words   |  4 PagesChristianity, is a form of religion based on the person and teachings , or its beliefs and practice s.1 During 205-207B.C, Christianity evolved greatly throughout the world. Many religions detested this and others embraced it. 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One that sticks out to me is what they mean by â€Å"founded as†. I myself take this as â€Å"was it founded as a nation the was meant only to support Christianity†. To this I would have to disagree with what I have gathered from discussion and reading from FeasRead MoreFollowers Of Christ Under Islamic Law1711 Words   |  7 Pagesreligious laws.For instance if a Christian woman winds up pregnant without a marriage licence, under the law shes to be sentenced to 100 lashes, but if the woman was married and pregnant outside her marriage she is to be put to death for adultery.The purpose of Sharia may be in place to provide muslims with the â€Å"right path†, but this should not affect others of different faith. Why should followers of Jesus Christ or individua ls that choose not to follow any religion have to obey the law of a Holy