Sulfur CycleKathryn Medina

Daniel RiveraWillmarie Guerrero

P.4

What it is/ Natural Process• Sulfur (S), is very abundant, is a brittle, yellow, tasteless, and odorless non-metallic

element. It has many proteins and vitamins that are crucial to the climate and various ecosystems. The majority of the Earth’s sulfur is stored underground in rocks and minerals, including as sulfate salts buried deep within ocean sediments and is in the magma in volcanoes.

• The sulfur cycle contains both atmospheric and terrestrial processes. Within the terrestrial portion, the cycle begins with the weathering of rocks, releasing the stored sulfur. The sulfur then comes into contact with air where it is converted into sulfate. The sulfate is taken up by plants and microorganisms and is converted into organic forms; animals then consume these organic forms through foods they eat, thereby moving the sulfur through the food chain. As organisms die and decompose, some of the sulfur is again released as a sulfate and some enters the tissues of microorganisms. There are also a variety of natural sources that emit sulfur directly into the atmosphere, including volcanic eruptions, the breakdown of organic matter in swamps and tidal flats, and the evaporation of water.

Natural ReservoirsFreshwater, Land, and Atmosphere

Why is it important

• It is one of the main components that make up proteins and vitamins that animals, plants, and the environment need. Sulfur is important for the functioning of proteins and enzymes in plants and in animals. Plants absorb sulfur when it is dissolved in water. Animals consume these plants, so that they take up enough sulphur to maintain their health. We dig up sulfur because we use it in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, gun powder, agricultural pesticides, and more.

Human Impact

• The use of sulfur in factories that is being emitted through air pollution release is leaving a disastrous effect to organisms around. The over pollution of sulfur in the air by human activity is damaging homes of animals and plants near by.

MDC• In the United States, the lower pH and higher

aluminum concentrations in surface water occurs from acid rain can kill aquatic animals and plants. Lakes are becoming more acidic so biodiversity has reduced. Acid rain can slow the growth of plants which can cause leaves and needles to turn brown and fall off.

LDC

• In Ecuador they don’t truly know the effects of sulfur and only care to increase industry in the country so they’re willing to pollute the environment with sulfur and ignore the effects in order to achieve industrialization like the developed world. Acid rain is another well known- environmental problem.

Pathway Affected by Human Activities

• Human activities increases the frequency and duration of acid rain.

• Physical disturbances results in exposure of large quantities of mineral sulfides to the atmosphere.

• This causes the sulfides to be oxidized to sulfate, a process accompanied by the generation of large amounts of acidity.

• A great way to reduce acid rain is to produce energy without using fossil fuels. Use more renewable energy like solar and wind power.