Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Nitrogen-decomposing bacteria; Ecosystem; Nitrogen cycle

Introduction

Before delving into the role of nitrogen-decomposing bacteria, it's important to understand the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen exists in various forms in the environment, including atmospheric nitrogen (N2), ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3-), and nitrite (NO2-). These forms are interconverted in a continuous cycle that involves multiple steps and various organisms [1, 2].

Methodology

Nitrogen fixation: Nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium and cyanobacteria. This process makes atmospheric nitrogen accessible to plants.

Nitrification: Ammonia is further transformed into nitrite (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria, like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.

Assimilation: Plants and animals assimilate nitrate and ammonia to build proteins and nucleic acids, incorporating nitrogen into their own biomass.

Denitrification: This is where nitrogen-decomposing bacteria come into play. Denitrifying bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Paracoccus, convert nitrate and nitrite back into atmospheric nitrogen (N2), closing the nitrogen cycle [3-6].

The role of nitrogen-decomposing bacteria

Balancing nitrogen levels: Nitrogen-decomposing bacteria are essential for maintaining appropriate nitrogen levels in ecosystems. They prevent the accumulation of excess nitrates, which can lead to problems like eutrophication in aquatic systems, where excessive nutrient levels cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

Supporting biodiversity: By regulating nitrogen levels, these bacteria indirectly support biodiversity. High nitrogen levels can favor the growth of certain plant species, leading to a decrease in plant diversity and altering the composition of ecosystems.

Wastewater treatment: Nitrogen-decomposing bacteria are also crucial in wastewater treatment plants. They help remove excess nitrogen from sewage and industrial effluents, preventing water pollution and its harmful effects on aquatic life.

Climate regulation: The activities of denitrifying bacteria help reduce the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas,into the atmosphere. This, in turn, contributes to climate regulation.

Soil health: In terrestrial ecosystems, these bacteria play a vital role in maintaining soil health. By converting nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen, they prevent the accumulation of harmful nitrates in soils, which can negatively impact plant growth and groundwater quality [7, 8].

Impact on ecosystem health

The presence and activity of nitrogen-decomposing bacteria are essential for the overall health and resilience of ecosystems. When these bacteria are disrupted or their populations reduced, it can lead to several ecological problems:

Nitrogen pollution: Without sufficient denitrification, nitrate pollution can occur, negatively affecting water quality and aquatic life.

Altered plant communities: Excess nitrogen can favor the growth of certain plant species over others, leading to imbalances in plant communities.

Loss of biodiversity: Ecosystems with disrupted nitrogen cycling may experience a decline in biodiversity as some species become more dominant due to nitrogen enrichment.

(Table 1)

Table 1: Nitrogen-decomposing bacteria and ecosystem health.

Climate change: Increased nitrous oxide emissions due to disturbed denitrification processes contribute to greenhouse gas accumulation and climate change [9, 10].

(Table 2)

Table 2: Types of bacteria.

Conclusion

Nitrogen-decomposing bacteria are the unsung heroes of ecosystems, quietly working to maintain the delicate balance of nitrogen levels. Their role in nitrogen cycling is vital for the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems alike. Recognizing the importance of these bacteria in ecosystem functioning underscores the need for conservation efforts aimed at preserving and enhancing their populations. As we strive to protect and restore our natural environments, we must ensure that these microscopic champions continue their crucial work, safeguarding the health and resilience of ecosystems for generations to come.

1. Bose TK (1985) “Jackfruit,” in Fruits of India: Tropical and Subtropical. BK Mitra, Ed. 488-498.

Google Scholar

2. Sreeni KRJ (2020) Underground Water Balancing System - An Innovative And Natural Approach For Hilly Areas: A Case Study In Thrissur District, Kerala, India. Indian Water Resour Soc 40: 47-50.
3. Ranasinghe RASN, Maduwanthi SDT, Marapana RAUJ (2019) Nutritional and Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.): A Review. Int J Food Sci 1-12.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Haque MA (1991) Village and forestry in Bangladesh. Joint Publication of Bangladesh Agri-cultural University and SAARC Documentation Center, New Delhi
5. Sreeni KR (2020) Jackfruit - Future Food Security: A Case Study Of Ayur Jack Farm Of Thrissur, Kerala. IJAR.

Crossref

6. Noor F, Rahman MJ, Mahomud MS, Akter MS, Talukder MAI, et al. (2014) Physico-chemical properties of flour and extraction of starch from jackfruit seed. Int J Nutr Food Sci 3:347-354.

Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Tenenbaum David (2004) Underwater Logging: Submarine Rediscovers Lost Wood. Environ Health Perspect 112: A892-A895.

Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Pinard MA, Putz FE (1996) Retaining forest biomass by reducing logging damage. Biotropica 28: 278-295.

Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Costa F, Magnusson W (2002) Selective logging effects on abundance, diversity, and composition of tropical understory herbs. Ecological Applications 12: 807-819.

Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Shukla J, Sellers P, Nobre C (1990) Amazon deforestation and climate change. Science 247: 1322-1325.

Google Scholar, Crossref