Nutrient cycle means that nutrients "go round" Used nutrients become available to new users. Microorganisms contribute to the breakdown and conversion of matter in nature. For example, recycling of nutrients and decomposition of organic matter. Microorganisms are also food for other organisms, and contribute to, for example, dissolved organic matter DOC being able to return to the food chain.

Dr Arne Andersen thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Respected Sir,

Rk Naresh

A nutrient cycle, also known as a biogeochemical cycle, is a natural process by which essential nutrients, such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, are circulated through various components of an ecosystem. These cycles involve the movement of these nutrients between the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the environment. Nutrient cycles are essential for the functioning and sustainability of ecosystems. Microbes play a critical role in nutrient cycling, and they are also important for keeping the environment clean. Here's why:

Nutrient Cycling:

· Decomposition: Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are primary decomposers in ecosystems. They break down complex organic matter, including dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. This decomposition process releases essential nutrients, like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, from organic matter, making them available for uptake by plants and other organisms.

· Mineralization: Microbes are involved in mineralizing organic nutrients into inorganic forms that are readily available for use by plants and other organisms. For example, they convert organic nitrogen from dead plant material into ammonium and nitrate, which can be taken up by plants.

· Nitrogen Fixation: Some microbes, specifically nitrogen-fixing bacteria, can convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) into a form (e.g., ammonium or nitrate) that plants can use. This process is crucial for making nitrogen accessible to plants and, consequently, the entire food web.

· Denitrification: Certain microbes participate in denitrification, converting nitrates into nitrogen gas or other nitrogen compounds. This process helps maintain the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems and prevents excessive accumulation of nitrates, which can be harmful to the environment.

Environmental Cleanup:

· Bioremediation: Microbes are used in bioremediation processes to clean up contaminated environments. They have the ability to break down and metabolize various pollutants, including oil, heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. This helps reduce the levels of harmful substances in the environment and facilitates the restoration of polluted areas.

· Waste Treatment: Microbes are integral to wastewater treatment and the breakdown of organic matter in sewage treatment plants. They help purify water by breaking down organic pollutants and converting them into less harmful substances.

· Composting: In composting, microbes are harnessed to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This process not only reduces waste in landfills but also produces valuable organic material for improving soil fertility.

Nutrient cycles are essential for the continuous circulation of vital elements in ecosystems, and microbes play a key role in driving these cycles. They facilitate the decomposition of organic matter, conversion of nutrients, and other processes that maintain the balance and availability of nutrients in the environment. Additionally, microbes are instrumental in environmental cleanup and waste treatment, contributing to the preservation and cleanliness of the natural environment.

Dear Dr Himanshu Tiwari thank you for your contribution to the discussion

A nutrient cycle refers to the exchange of organic and inorganic matter throughout an ecosystem, causing particular substances and elements to be sequestered, removed, recycled, and generated in the environment. The nutrient cycle is a system where energy and matter are transferred between living organisms and non-living parts of the environment. This occurs as animals and plants consume nutrients found in the soil, and these nutrients are then released back into the environment via death and decomposition. Microorganisms are responsible for the degradation of organic matter, which controls the release of plant nutrients, but is also important for the maintenance of soil structure and sustainability of soil quality for plant growth. Bacteria in the soil or in plant roots convert nitrogen gas from the environment into solid nitrogen molecules that plants can utilize in the soil. The bacteria within the nodules convert free nitrogen to nitrates, which the host plant uses for growth. Nitrogen enters the living world by way of bacteria and other single-celled prokaryotes, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically usable forms in a process called nitrogen fixation. Microbes are critical in the process of breaking down and transforming dead organic material into forms that can be reused by other organisms. This is why the microbial enzyme systems involved are viewed as key 'engines' that drives the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. This is because microorganisms decompose dead organic waste of plants and animals converting them into simple substances. These substances are again used by other plants and animals. Thus, microorganisms can be used to degrade harmful and odourific substances and clean up the environment. The microorganisms decompose dead organic wastes of plants and animals converting them into simple substances. Thus, microorganisms can be used to degrade the harmful and smelly substances and thereby cleans up the environment.

The environment "clean." Clean is meaningless - please maintain technical and scientific terminology. What do you mean by "clean"?

Dr Phil Geis thank you for your contribution to the discussion