biogeochemical
BY-oh-jee-oh-KEM-ih-kul
Definition
Relating to the complex physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the distribution and movement of elements within and between living organisms and their environment.
Etymology
The word is a combination of the Greek 'bios' (life), 'ge' (earth), and 'chemeia' (chemistry). It emerged in the 20th century to describe the study of how chemical elements circulate through the Earth's biosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere.
In the news
The word describes the complex cycles and interactions involving ammonium within the sediments of the Pearl River Delta. It highlights the integrated nature of the biological and geological pathways being studied.
Fermentation emerges as key pathway for ammonium production beneath the Pearl River Delta
Read the full article ↗phys.org