4.9 Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis : Carbon dioxide and water are combined to form glucose. The carbon dioxide comes from the atmosphere. Photosynthesis is responsible for reducing CO2.

Feeding: Producers are eaten by primary consumers and therefore the primary consumer takes in the carbon that was in the producer and uses this to grow. The primary consumer is then eaten by the secondary consumer and keeps passing through the different trophic levels. All our putting CO2 into the atmosphere through respiration.

Respiration: Releases energy and produces carbon dioxide, thus adding more CO2 to the atmosphere.

Decomposition: Eventually organisms will die and the organic molecules remaining will be broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. This will result in the release of CO2.

Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels releases CO2. Used for industry and motor vehicles to release energy for their movement. Natural-- forest fires, lightening striking plants and grassland fires.

4.11 Gas Pollution

Sulphur Dioxide is a gas that is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oils.

Sulphur dioxide combines with water and forms sulphuric acid found in condensed water in clouds and when it rains we call this rain acid rain.

Effects on Plants:

Trees and plants are often "burned" (top of tree is usually dead)

Causes calcium and magnesium ions to be leached out of the soil (plant can't grow)

Makes lakes acidic and releases Aluminium ions which causes thickening of mucus in a fish and reduces the ability to take in oxygen

Carbon Monoxide

Produced when fossil fuels such as gas are burned with insufficient oxygen.

The carbon monoxide joins with haemoglobin and forms carbaminohaemoglobin which blocks the haemoglobin from carrying oxygen