Give two ways by which carbon dioxide fixed in our environment?

Question

Answer

There are two different ways by which carbon dioxide can be fixed in the environment. They are :

(i) Green plants convert CO2 into glucose in the presence sunlight by the process photosynthesis.

(ii) Many marine animals use carbonates dissolved in sea-water to make their cells.

Answer

Answer

Ways Carbon Dioxide is Fixed in the Environment

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an essential component of the Earth's atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis. However, excessive amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere contribute to global warming and climate change. To mitigate these adverse effects, carbon dioxide needs to be fixed or converted into stable forms. There are two primary ways by which carbon dioxide is fixed in the environment: natural processes and artificial methods.

Natural Processes:
1. Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the primary natural process through which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, primarily glucose. This process involves the following steps:
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny openings called stomata in their leaves.
- The absorbed carbon dioxide combines with water in the presence of sunlight, using chlorophyll as a catalyst.
- This reaction produces glucose and oxygen as byproducts.
- Glucose is used by plants for energy and growth, while oxygen is released back into the atmosphere.
- Additionally, some glucose is converted into cellulose and stored in the plant's tissues, providing long-term carbon fixation.

2. Carbonate Formation: Another natural process that fixes carbon dioxide is the formation of carbonates. This occurs primarily in oceans and involves the following steps:
- Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid.
- The carbonic acid reacts with calcium ions present in the water to form calcium carbonate.
- Calcium carbonate precipitates and accumulates over time, forming shells and skeletons of marine organisms such as corals, mollusks, and foraminifera.
- When these organisms die, their remains settle on the ocean floor and become sedimentary rocks, locking away the carbon dioxide for millions of years.

Artificial Methods:
1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Carbon capture and storage is an artificial method that involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground. The process includes:
- Capturing CO2 at its source, such as power plants or industrial facilities, before it is released into the atmosphere.
- Transporting the captured CO2 via pipelines or ships to suitable geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
- Injecting the CO2 into these formations under controlled conditions, ensuring it remains trapped and does not leak.
- Monitoring the storage site to confirm the long-term stability and safety of the stored CO2.

2. Carbon Sequestration: Carbon sequestration involves intentionally removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in natural or artificial reservoirs. This can be achieved through various methods:
- Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass and soils.
- Biomass capture and storage: Utilizing organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues or dedicated energy crops, to produce bioenergy while capturing and storing the resulting CO2 emissions.
- Direct air capture: Using technology to directly capture CO2 from the ambient air and subsequently storing it underground or converting it into other useful products.

These methods of carbon dioxide fixation, both natural and artificial, are crucial for reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigating

Top Courses for Class 9View all

Science Class 9

Social Studies (SST) Class 9

Mathematics (Maths) Class 9

English Grammar Advanced

English Class 9

Top Courses for Class 9

Top Courses for Class 9

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Class 9 Study Material

Class 9 Subjects

Competitive Examinations for Class 9

NCERT Books

NCERT Solutions

Reference Books for Class 9

Other Popular Exams

Company