Biogeoquímica

Biogeoquímica is the scientific study of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the transport and transformation of chemical elements and their compounds in the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soils. It bridges the disciplines of biology, geology, and chemistry to understand the cycling of elements through these different Earth systems. Key elements studied include carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and oxygen, as well as trace metals.

The field investigates how living organisms, geological processes, and chemical reactions interact to move these elements through ecosystems and the planet. For example, biogeochemical cycles describe the pathways by which carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants through photosynthesis, then to animals through consumption, and eventually back to the atmosphere through respiration or decomposition. Similarly, the nitrogen cycle illustrates how nitrogen is converted between atmospheric gas, organic matter, and inorganic forms vital for plant growth, often facilitated by microbial activity.

Understanding biogeochemical cycles is crucial for comprehending a wide range of environmental phenomena. This includes climate change, as disruptions in the carbon cycle, particularly increased atmospheric CO2, are a primary driver. It also informs studies on nutrient pollution in aquatic systems, soil fertility, and the impact of human activities like agriculture and industrialization on Earth's natural processes. Researchers in biogeoquímica often use field observations, laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling to quantify and predict the behavior of these elemental cycles.