Geobiocoenosis: The chemical elements and relative abundance in biotic and abiotic systems

Abstract

Geobiocoenosis (the total ecosystem i.e. biotic + abiotic) is concerned with the evolution of life on Earth, in particular the harmony which has developed between geochemical and biological systems. In any geochemical province the abundance of the elements in the geosphere should, to various degrees, be reflected by those present in the biosphere. The extent to which elements are transferred from an abiotic to a biotic system is normally controlled by the particular biological processes which characterise the biota. On the basis of associations between elements which were established during organic evolution, here I consider whether or not any coherent patterns in the abundances of the elements occur between abiotic and biotic systems. In particular, to establish what may be considered as normal and those which are disturbed, for example as a consequence of contamination and pollution of the environment. An objective is to establish natural abundance patterns for the elements in living organisms in order to provide baseline data for concentrations rather than accept alternatives, such as those based upon the sensitivity of a particular analytical technique or inspired guesses.