L6 Nutrients

Question 1

Discuss nitrogen cycle in ocean

Answer 1

Sources: rivers, atmosphere and decomposition of biomaterial
- ammonium NH4+ oxidised to nitrites NO2-
- nitrites oxidised to nitrate NO3-
Oxidisation by bacteria just below photosynthetic zone

Question 2

Describe phosphorus cycle in the ocean

Answer 2

Sources: rivers, atmosphere and released from detritus and faeces
- simple cycle enzymes convert phosphorus to phosphate
- rapidly recycled, usually not limiting