Biogeochemical cycles as integrative and spatial models for the study of environmental pollution (the example of the Sulphur cycle)

Abstract

This paper stresses the need for an approach to pollution of the total physical environment. An ecosystematic approach is suggested whereby biogeochemical cycles are identified as models which can integrate all physical environment components and also provide information on the forms of elemental pollution so that, for example, the spatial aspects of the problem can be identified. The sulphur cycle is used as an example to illustrate how a “pollution component”; of this naturally occuring element can be identified to show where and when excess accumulations can occur sufficient to cause “pollution.”;