Mineralization
As mineralization is defined as the natural release of chemical elements of organic compounds and their incorporation into inorganic compounds .
The degradation of organic material in nature takes place in two steps: The coarse decomposition by micro , meso and macrofauna is followed by the complete breakdown of the carbon , oxygen and hydrogen-containing substances by exclusively microorganisms (biological oxidation). After many intermediate stages, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), water (H 2 O) as well as ammonium (NH 4 + ), phosphate (PO 4 3− ), nitrite (NO 2 - ), nitrate (NO 3 - ) and other inorganic compounds are formed .
These conversion processes are influenced by the temperature and the air and water balance of the soil. By z. B. the drainage of moors or amelioration , humans are an indirect influencing factor.
The presence of bacteria capable of mineralizing is of great importance for the self-cleaning of water . In the soil , the mineralization ensures that vital elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen can be absorbed by plants and thus maintain the natural fertility of the soil .
Other meanings
In the case of mineral water , mineralization means the absorption of salts , while the water seeps or flows through various layers of rock.
In geology, especially taphonomy , mineralization or mineralization is the natural impregnation of organic matter with mineral matter or the complete conversion into mineral matter ("petrification").
See also
- Nitrogen mineralization in the article nitrogen fertilizers
Web links
- Environmental Lexicon - Mineralization , accessed 2014
- Mineralization , Geodz.com encyclopedia, accessed 2014