2. WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS?
Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for
all life. The most common form of phosphorus used by
biological organisms is phosphate (PO4), which plays
major roles in the formation of DNA, cellular energy, and
cell membranes (and plant cell walls). Phosphorus is a
common ingredient in commercial fertilizers.
4. WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS CYCLE?
The phosphorus cycle is the biochemical cycle that
describes the movement of phosphorus through the
lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Moreover, this
cycle process is as follows. The phosphorus enters the soil
and the water through the weathering of rocks. Plants
take in these phosphorus ions from the soil.
5. IMPORTANCE OF PHOSPHORUS
• needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all
tissues and cells, and for the production of genetic
building blocks, RNA.
• To help balance and use other vitamins and minerals,
including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc.
6. PHOSPHATIC MINERALS
Common phosphatic minerals include apatite, which is
the primary source of phosphate for fertilizer production,
as well as wavellite, vivianite, and others. Phosphorus is
an essential nutrient for plant growth, making these
minerals valuable agriculture.
7. HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE
PHOSPHORUS CYCLES
Human activities alter the phosphorus cycle through
fertilizer use, deforestation, wastewater discharge, and
industrial pollution. These disrupt natural phosphorus
cycling, leading to nutrient runoff, water pollution, and
ecosystem harm Sustainable practice are crucial to
minimize these impacts and preserve the integrity of this
essential nutrient cycle.
8. ➢ Mining Phosphate
Rock
➢ Phosphates in
fertilizers
➢ Run off and erosion
➢ Phosphates in
municipal sewage
➢ Excess Phosphate
dissolved in water
➢ Animal Wastes
9. A GLOBAL VIEW OF PHOSPHORUS
CYCLE
Phosphorus moves from land to the
sea and back in the phosphorus
cycle. It’s mainly stored in the
Earth’s crust. On land, it’s in the form
of phosphates. Through weathering
and erosion, phosphates enter
rivers, flow to the ocean, and
collect on continental shelves. After
million years, crustal plates lift,
bringing phosphates back on land.
Weathering eventually releases
them from rocks, restarting the
cycle.
10. AN ECOSYSTEM VIEW ON THE
PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
The phosphorus cycle in ecosystems
involves phases that operate at
different speeds. Organisms rely on
phosphorus for essential compounds
like phospholipids, NADPH, ATP, and
nucleic acids. Phosphorus is quickly
absorbed by plants, passed on the
herbivores through consumption, and
acquired by carnivores through
predation. Ultimately, both herbivores
and carnivores release phosphorus
through excretion, contributing to soil
enrichment via decomposition. Plants
efficiently recycle this crucial nutrient
within the ecosystem.
11. A SOIL-BASED VIEW OF THE
PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
Phosphate initially erodes from
rocks, with minor losses from
terrestrial systems due to rain-
driven leaching, offset by gains
from rock weathering. In soil,
phosphate binds to clay and
organic matter, becoming
immobilized. Plants absorb
ionized phosphate, herbivores
acquire it by consuming plants,
and carnivores through
herbivores. Phosphorus returns
to the soil via decomposition,
sustaining this cycle.
12. PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT
• Soil Testing: Begin with soil testing to determine phosphorus levels.
• Precise Fertilization: Apply fertilizers based on soil test results to
match plant needs.
• Erosion Control: Implement erosion prevention methods to minimize
runoff.
• Wastewater Treatment: Employ efficient wastewater to remove
phosphorus.
• Education: Promote awareness and adherence to phosphorus
management practices among farmers and industries to protect
water quality.
13. PHOSPHORUS REGULATIONS
• Phosphorus Content: Setting limits on phosphorus content
fertilizers.
• Discharge limits: Regulating phosphorus discharges from
industries and wastewater treatment plants.
• Best management Practices: Promoting responsible phosphorus
application and conservation in agriculture.
• Monitoring and Reporting; Requiring data collection and
reporting to ensure compliance and assess environmental
impact.
14. TRIVIA
Certainly! Here’s a trivia fact about phosphorus:
“Phosphorus was discovered by German alchemist
Hennig Brand in 1669 when he boiled down large
quantities of urine in his quest to find the philosopher’s
stone. This discovery marked the first isolation of an
element from a compound.”
15. REMEMBER
We must be mindful that phosphorus is an essential
nutrient, but excess use can harm ecosystems.
Sustainable management, soil testing, and responsible
agricultural practices are vital to prevent pollution and
safeguard our environment.
