Phosphorus-cycleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.pdf
- 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.