Nitrogen Cycle Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which type of bacteria is responsible for converting ammonium compounds into nitrites?

Nitrobacter

Pseudomonas

Azotobacter

Nitrosomonas (correct)

What process is primarily responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate during industrial processes?

Atmospheric fixation

Ammonification

Nitrification (correct)

Biological fixation

Which of the following nitrogen-fixing processes involves lightning?

Biological fixation

Atmospheric fixation (correct)

Industrial fixation

Denitrification

What is produced during ammonification as a result of microbial activity on dead organisms?

Ammonium compounds Signup and view all the answers

What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Convert ammonium to nitrites and then nitrates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bacteria are known for their role in denitrification?

Pseudomonas Signup and view all the answers

How do leguminous plants obtain nitrogen through biological fixation?

Through symbiotic bacteria in their root nodules Signup and view all the answers

What is the final product of the nitrification process before being taken up by plants?

Nitrates Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of environmental pollution?

Soil, water, and air pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of waste material that contributes to environmental pollution?

Biological waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of agrochemicals?

To achieve short-term benefits in agriculture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor affecting environmental pollution?

Rapid growth of population Signup and view all the answers

What type of matter is categorized as 'non-decomposing' waste?

Polythene and plastic Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waste includes items such as fertilizers and pesticides?

Agro chemical waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested action if different waste materials are found during an environmental activity?

Classify them and decide on waste disposal bins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of pollution does not include particulates as a concern?

Noise pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of using organic fertilizers in agriculture?

They enhance the activity of soil organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What human activity has been identified as a major reason for the decrease in forest cover?

Paddy cultivation and large-scale projects. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is suggested for achieving agricultural independence once again?

Adopting traditional agricultural methods. Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental management aim to balance?

Human needs and natural resource maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

Why is reforestation deemed necessary?

To restore the environmental balance. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the reduction of crop yield?

Pollution affecting water, land, and air Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of improper garbage disposal?

Spread of infectious diseases like Dengue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the reduction of biodiversity?

Decrease in the number of species in a unit area Signup and view all the answers

Why do invasive species pose a threat to native species?

They can tolerate different environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process by which a country shifts from an agricultural to an industrial society?

Industrialization Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a factor affecting the lifestyle of humans?

Natural disasters Signup and view all the answers

What impact does industrialization have on society?

Promotes the production of goods and services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a result of environmental degradation due to construction?

Erosion of buildings and statues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for urbanization?

Search for employment and comfortable lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes commercial agriculture?

Utilization of modified varieties and agrochemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an irrigation system?

Rainwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of deaths in Sri Lanka attributable to non-contagious diseases?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) primarily affects which population in Sri Lanka?

Agricultural areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contributing factor to non-contagious diseases?

Excessive tobacco and liquor consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of acute renal failure?

Temporary loss of kidney function Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle change is associated with the rise of non-contagious diseases?

Poor dietary choices Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nitrogen Cycle

Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH4+) by atmospheric fixation, biological fixation, and industrial fixation.
Biological fixation is carried out by free-living bacteria in soil and symbiotic bacteria in root nodules of legumes.
Atmospheric fixation occurs during lightning, converting atmospheric nitrogen into nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Industrial fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate during the production of chemical fertilizers.
Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium compounds into nitrites and then nitrates.
Plants absorb nitrates and use them to synthesize proteins.
Plant proteins enter animals through food chains.
Decomposers convert nitrogenous compounds in dead organisms into ammonium compounds (ammonification).
Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution refers to the discharge of pollutants that negatively impact the natural environment.
There are three main types: soil pollution, water pollution, and air pollution.

Factors Affecting Environmental Pollution

Waste materials contribute to environmental pollution.
These materials can be classified as decomposing or non-decomposing, and further categorized by their origin, such as domestic waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, electronic waste, and nuclear waste.

Agrochemical Waste

Agrochemicals are synthetic chemicals used in agriculture, including fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
Short-term benefits of agrochemicals are outweighed by their negative effects on the environment and human health.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are pollutants that negatively affect the ecosystem and human health.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change.

Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is a type of air pollution that negatively affects human health.

Domestic Waste

Domestic waste includes food waste, plastic, metal, paper, glass, and electronic materials.

Electronic Waste

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a significant environmental concern.

Nuclear Waste

Nuclear waste poses a significant environmental hazard due to its radioactivity.

Environmental Impacts of Pollution

Pollution negatively affects biodiversity, human health, and the economy.

Factors Affecting Human Lifestyle

Industrialization, urbanization, commercial agriculture, and irrigation systems have significantly impacted human lifestyel..

Urbanization

Urbanization occurs as people migrate to cities for employment and a more comfortable lifestyle.

Commercial Agriculture

Commercial agriculture involves large-scale farming with the primary goal of profit, not just subsistence.

Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems, such as tanks, ponds, reservoirs, canals, and dams, provide water for agricultural purposes.

Problems Arising from Changes in Lifestyle

An increase in non-contagious diseases, such as cancers, pulmonary diseases, and diabetes, is a major health concern.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem in agricultural areas.
CKD is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, including urine production.

Solutions for Environmental Sustainability

Using organic fertilizers is an environmentally friendly way to improve soil structure and fertility.
Reforestation is essential to reestablish environmental balance and reverse deforestation.
Traditional agricultural practices, such as using local seeds and cultivation methods, are vital for sustainable agriculture.

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Description

This quiz covers the nitrogen cycle, detailing how atmospheric nitrogen is converted into usable forms for plants through various processes. Learn about biological fixation, nitrification, and the role of decomposers in returning nitrogen to the atmosphere. Understand the importance of nitrogen in ecosystems and food chains.