The Phosphorus Cycle

THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

Importance of the Phosphorus Cycle

The amount of phosphorus within the phosphorus cycle must be kept in balance. When there are too much phosphorus in runoff and within a solution (bodies of water), euthrophication occurs. Euthrophication stems from too much production of algae which causes overconsumption of oxygen in water.

Phosphorus also helps in plant and animal growth and in resisting diseases. It also plays a role in fruit quality and formation of starch.

Definition of Processes Involved

A. Phosphates in Rock

1. Uplifting of Rock – forming mountains out of rocks

2. Weathering of Rock – breaking down of rocks through natural forces

B. Phosphates in Soil (Inorganic) – rooted plants absorb inorganic phosphates from the soil

C. Phosphates in Organic Compounds

1. Animals – needed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is needed for storing and using energy

2. Plants – plays a vital role in photosynthesis

D. Detritus and Detritivores in Soil (Decomposition) – organisms decay through bacteria, and phosphate returns to the environment and is reused

E. Runoff – phosphorus is washed into bodies of water

F. Phosphates in Solution – phosphate dissolve in bodies of water

G. Precipitated (Solid) Phosphates – phosphate becomes a component of the rock layer

Three Points

Reservoir

A. Phosphorus is very rich in the ground or soil.

B. Phosphorous can’t be formed into a gaseous state and is mostly found in a liquid state.

C. A certain amount of phosphorus is found in deep deposits in oceans and other bodies of water.

Geological Process

Geological processes in the phosphorus cycle include the uplifting and weathering of rocks, and precipitation of solid phosphates.

Chemical Process

Chemical processes seen in the phosphorus cycle include decomposition of organisms.

Sources

http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/308phosphorus.html...