Ammonium sulphate and the environment

An explanation of why ammonium sulphate is a good fertiliser An explanation of what algae are and what photosynthesis and respiration are An explanation of what happens if fertilisers are allowed into the water Definition of EUTROPHICATION(VLE) and an explanation of what it is. Advice on how we should dispose of ammonium sulphate Facts and pictures!

Your report should include the following:

Fertilisers
Ammonium Sulphate is a good fertiliser as it contains Nitrogen and Sulphur which are both needed for healthy plant growth Without Nitrogen and Sulphur a plant cannot make the amino acids in proteins that are needed for plants to grow Fertilisers can make all plants grow even where you do not want them to.

Ammonium sulphate provides the plant with;Nitrogen Sulphur. These are needed to make proteins so the plants can grow bigger. The fertilizer needs to be dissolved in water so the plant can take it in through the roots.

Fertilizers make plants grow better increase crop yield

With Fertilizer Without Fertilizer

Farmers spray their crops with fertilisers

As fertilisers dissolve in water the rain can wash them out of the soil and into rivers and streams.

Algae
In most rivers there are ALGAE. Algae are simple plants which are made up of one or 2 cells They contain chloroplasts and they can photosynthesize and respire

Algal Bloom
If fertiliser is accidentally released into a water ecosystem the algae will thrive. The added Sulphur and Nitrogen from ammonium sulphate allows the algae to grow and multiply rapidly This is called an Algal Bloom

Algal Bloom

The Effects of an Algal Bloom

The green algae covering the surface stop sunlight reaching under the water, so aquatic plants underneath cant photosynthesize and will die. The algae also respire at night and remove all the oxygen from the water so animals such as fish die. The plants and fish underneath die and decay The river becomes dead.

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar, The equations for photosynthesis symbol equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6+ 6 O2 word equation: carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen

Respiration
Aerobic respiration is the release of energy from glucose or another organic substrate in the presence of Oxygen

Eutrophication
What is eutrophication?
When a body of water has too many nutrientsin it, we say that eutrophication has occurred. Higher than natural nutrient levels can cause plant growth, especially the growth of algae. Algae remove oxygen from the water, which makes it difficult for other plants and animals to get enough oxygen to survive

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

There are lots of definitions of eutrophication on the VLE Remember to put the website!!

Eutrophication

Using Ammonium Sulphate

Must be handled carefully to stop it getting into the streams and rivers and causing damage to the environment.

How do we store and use it? How do we dispose of it?

Guidelines for Fertilizer Use

Prevent additional discharge of material, if possible to do so without hazard. Prevent spills from entering sewers, watercourses, wells, etc. Product will promote algae growth and may degrade water quality and taste. Notify downstream water users. Sulphate in potable drinking water should be maintained below 500mg/L. Will dissolve and disperse in water. Reclaiming material may not be viable. Recover and place material in suitable containers for recycle, reuse, or disposal. Ensure disposal is in compliance with government requirements and local regulations.
http://www.fertilizerworks.com/html/msds_granamm.html

Disposing of fertilisers
Recycle wherever possible. Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be sent to an approved waste disposal contractor for disposal in an approved waste facility. Normally product is suitable for disposal at an approved landfill site. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. Care should be taken to ensure compliance with national and local regulations. This product is NOT for disposal via municipal sewers, drains, natural streams or rivers.
http://www.clarkproducts.co.nz/uploads/file/Ammonium%20Sulphate.pdf