Biogeochemical cycles

Biogeochemical cycle is the complete path of chemical through four major components of Earth system which are atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Out of 24 important elements that living things need, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulphur are (6) essential.

Carbon Cycle
Burning of fossil fuel effects on global climate, thus ways to reduce carbon output were introduced.
a) Replacing fossil fuels by alternative fuels and power sources
b) Capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plant and injecting the gas into the ground
c) Limiting deforestation particularly tropical acid rain forest

Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrates are useful for plants yet overload causes eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems, acid rain, smog etc. Ways to reduce nitrogen were introduced.
a) Reforestation of wetlands and riparian areas and construction of artificial wetlands to prevent excess nitrogen from entering water
b) Control the emissions from factories through clean-air legislation
c) Replacing fossil fuels by alternative fuels and power sources
d) Enhancing energy efficiency by using alternative energy source (hydropower, geothermal and nuclear reactor)

Phosphorus Cycle
Normally occurs as phosphate ion, PO-4 giving impact on water quality.
a) Introduce a tertiary and advanced treatment to remove phosphate in sewage.
b) Septic be emptied to stop phosphate escaping.
c) Natural care management scheme

Water Cycle
Important in reducing temperature by evaporative cooling and it has no starting and ending point. 86% of global evaporation occurs from ocean.
a) Recognize both storm water and waste water as resources for reuse.
b) Construction of wetlands, as physical and biological treatment system, gross pollutant traps, as intercept trash, debris and coarse sediments, implementation of sediments and erosion controls during land development.