Nitrogen is a chemical element with no definite characteristics that builds up approximately 78% of our atmosphere. This gas is the lightest of the Nitrogen group with an atomic number of 7. The nitrogen gas is the seventh most abundant gas in the universe. All though it may not seem this way, pure Nitrogen can cause a risk to humans as it displaces available oxygen in the air.
What is the Nitrogen Cycle?
The Nitrogen cycle is the process of nitrogen being used by plants and animals then being released back into the atmosphere. First, plant and animal wastes decompose, this adds nitrogen into the soil. Next, the bacteria in the soil converts the nitrogen into a form that plants can use. After that, plant uses the nitrogen to grow. Finally, animals and humans eat those plants and the cycle continues.
Nitrates and Nitrites
Nitrates and nitrites are two different molecules that are made of oxygen and nitrogen. The chemical difference between the two is that nitrites have two oxygen atoms while nitrates have three. Both molecules have one nitrogen atom.
Health Effects of Nitrogen
Nitrates and nitrites oppose several health effects to humans. Some of these effects and issues include: Reactions with haemoglobin in blood, causing the oxygen supply capacity to decrease, decreased functioning of the thyroid gland, vitamin a decrease, the cause of nitro amines, which are known to be one of the highest causes of cancer. Along with being beneficial, Nitrogen can be destructive.
Why is the Nitrogen Cycle Beneficial?
All biotic organisms benefit from the Nitrogen Cycle. Nitrogen is found in the DNA of all living organisms and is also found in proteins that are vital to the lives of all breathing beings. It is important to understand how this cycle works so humans know not to take a crucial element such as this for granted.
Nitrates and Nitrites in the Nitrogen Cycle
Diagram of the Cycle Process
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