Carbon cycle: Water Quality and the Biogeochemical Engine

This lecture covers the carbon cycle, the most significant biogeochemical cycle involving exchanges between the atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. It explains the constant cycling of carbon through various processes like fixation, biodegradation, biomineralization, and dissolution. The lecture also discusses the distribution of carbon in different reservoirs such as the geosphere, oceans, atmosphere, and soils. Additionally, it explores the microbiological carbon cycle, emphasizing the transformation of carbon through oxidative and reductive pathways, with methane being a significant product. The interplay between the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and sulfur cycle is highlighted, showcasing the complexity of global cycles and their impact on life on Earth.