Nutrient Cycles Phosphorus

Phosphorus

Essential element for all organisms

ATP – Energy molecule for cells (product of cellular respiration)

Bones – 85% of the phosphorus in the body is found in the skeleton

Plants – Seeds, roots and stems all depend on phosphorus

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Phosphorus Stores

No phosphorus is stored in the atmosphere

Phosphorus is stored in rock, sediments and the earth’s crust

Stored as phosphate compounds

PO₄^–3 HPO₄^–2 HPO₄^–

Movement of Phosphorus

Weathering – Chemical and physical break down of rocks to release phosphorus to soil

Plants – Take up phosphorus from soil through roots

Animals – Obtain phosphorus from plants

Decomposers – Return phosphorus to soil

Run-off – Excess phosphorus in soil carried to lakes/ocean by leaching

Sedimentation – Phosphorus in water system settles and forms sedimentary rock

Geological Uplift – Tectonic processes bring phosphorus rich rocks to surface

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Human Influence

Phosphate containing rock is mined to produce fertilizers and detergents

Leaching and run-off from excess fertilizers contributes to eutrophication

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