Cycles of Biogeochemical Elements and Impact of their Disturbance on Human Activity in Mining Areas
Synopsis
The study of biogeochemical cycles is the study of the transformation and transport of substances in terrestrial systems. In most cases, cycles connect biotic and abiotic subsystems. The transport of substances in biogeochemical systems is usually represented graphically by means of diagrams or flowcharts, which are composed of boxes (or compartments or reservoirs) connected by lines directed by arrows. As such, the representation resembles the process flow diagram of a chemical plant or process where the boxes represent various units (reactors, heat exchangers, etc.) and the lines represent material flows (Fig.1 ). Dysfunctions in the cycle of elements linked to human activities pose economic problems and lead to climate change with serious consequences. For example, a major disruption of the carbon cycle results in the continuous injection of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels. The cycles of several key elements have been significantly altered by anthropogenic activities over the past two centuries, with significant positive effects and negative consequences for a range of other ecosystem processes such as agricultural production, public health, etc. . This study illustrates the disruption of the cycle of some biogenic elements essential to the nutrition of plants in mining areas.
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