SULPHUR’S

CIRCULATION
UNDERSTANDING THE SULPHUR CYCLE
 GROUP MEMBERS
Amritha M Keerthi AM.LS.U3MIB23004
Arya S Nair AM.LS.U3MIB23008
Dhanusree J AM.LS.U3MIB23018
Lavanya Gowry AM.LS.U3MIB23022
Meenakshy S AM.LS.U3MIB23023
Smrithi Pramod AM.LS.U3MIB23033
Varsha K AM.LS.U3MIB23034
Sreevidya M AM.LS.U3MIB23040
Nandana V AM.LS.U3MIB23044
 INTRODUCTION
The sulphur cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the
movement of sulphur through different reservoirs in the Earth’s
biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. It involves
various processes such as weathering of rocks, volcanic eruptions,
biological processes (like decomposition and metabolism), and
human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial
processes). Sulphur is essential for living organisms and plays a
crucial role in various biochemical reactions.
 SOURCES OF SULPHUR CYCLE
1. Weathering : Sulphur containing minerals in rocks undergo weathering, releasing
sulphur into the soil and water.
2. Volcanic Activity : Volcanic eruptions release sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide
into the atmosphere.
3. Decomposition : When plants and animals die, sulphur containing organic matter is
broken down by decomposers, releasing sulphur back into the soil and water as
hydrogen sulphide or sulphate ions.
4. Human Activities : Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, industrial
processes, and agricultural practices, releases sulphur dioxide and other compounds
into the atmosphere, contributing into air pollution and altering the sulphur cycle.
 BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Biological processes play a significant role in the sulphur cycle, including sulphur
assimilation by plants, sulphur mineralization by decomposers, and sulphur oxidation by
bacteria. These processes are essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems and have
implications for soil health and plant growth.
1. Sulphur assimilation : It involves the uptake of sulphur from the soil in the form of
sulphate ions and its incorporation into organic compounds within plant cells. This
process is crucial for the synthesis of sulphur containing amino acids, vitamins, and other
essential biomolecules.
2. Sulphur mineralization : It involves the breakdown of organic sulphur containing
compounds in dead organic matter into organic forms, primarily sulphate ions, which can
be used by plants and other organisms.
Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in this process.
3. Sulphur Oxidation : In bacteria, sulphur oxidation refers to the
metabolic process by which certain bacteria oxidize reduces sulphur
compounds as a source of energy for growth and survival. Sulphur oxidizing
bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms that can oxidize various
reduces sulphur compounds, including hydrogen sulphide, elemental sulphur,
thiosulphate, and sulphide minerals. This process involves several enzymatic
reactions, which may vary depending on the specific sulphur compound being
oxidized.
 CHEMICAL PROCESSES
Chemical transformations in the sulphur cycle invloves sulphur oxidation, sulphur reduction, and
sulphur precipitation. These processes occur in aquatic environments, soils, and the atmosphere,
influencing the speciation and mobility of sulphur compounds. understanding these transformations is
crucialfor managing sulphur pollution.
1. Sulphur Oxidation : Sulphur undergoes a change in oxidation state, typically from a reduces form
to an oxidized form. This process can occur through various chemical reactions involving sulphur
compounds and oxygen or other oxidizing agents.
2. Sulphur Reduction : It is a metabolic process in which certain microorganisms, known as sulphur
reducing bacteria or sulphur reducing archaea, utilize oxidized sulphur compounds as terminal
electron acceptors in anaerobic respiration. These microorganisms reduce oxidized sulphur
compounds to lower oxidation states, releasing energy in the process.
3.Sulphur Precipitation : It refers to the process in which sulphur compounds in the
atmosphere are removed and deposited onto surface on Earth. This can occur through
wet deposition, where sulphur compounds are incorporated into rain, snow, or fog, and
dry deposition, where sulphur compounds settle directly ontro surfaces. It can have
environmental impacts, including acidification of soils and water bodies, damage to
vegetation, and respiratory problems in humans and animals.
 ATMOSPHERIC IMPACT
While sulphur is essential for life, its cycling can have significant atmospheric impacts,
particularly due to the emission and transformation of sulphur compounds.
1. Air Pollution : Sulphur dioxide is released into the atmosphere from both natural sources,
such as volcanic eruptions and biological processes, and human activities, including
combustion of fossil fuels and industrial processses. In the atmosphere, sulphur dioxide can
undergo oxidation to form sulphuric acid, a major component of acid rain.
2. Climate Effects : The climate is also affected through the formation of sulphate aerosols and
their interactions with radiations and clouds. Sulphate aerosols have a cooling effect on the
climate by reflecting incoming solar radiation back into space, thus offsetting some of the
warming caused by greenhouse gases.
 3.Acid Deposition : Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, is another
consequence of the sulphur cycle’s atmospheric impact. When sulphur dioxide and
other sulphur compounds react with atmospheric moisture and oxygen, the form
sulphuric acid, which can be transported over long distances before being deposited
onto the Earth’s surface as acid rain, for, or snow. Acid rain has detrimental effects on
soil chemistry, freshwater ecosystems, and vegetation.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the sulphur cycle is a complex and interconnected process that
influences ecosystems, human activities, and the environment. Managing sulphur
sources, unerstanding biological and chemical processes, and mitigating
atmospheric impacts are crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and
human well-being.