1.6 The Phosphorous Cycle
2 min read•december 26, 2022
Sumi Vora
Sumi Vora
Phosphorus Cycle
Phosphorus is really similar to nitrogen. We need phosphorus for , RNA, and ATP, and it is also a limiting macronutrient. However, phosphorus' interactions with the atmosphere are limited; it instead cycles between land and water. Additionally, unlike nitrogen, phosphorus is most often found in one chemical form, PO4, and doesn't undergo alteration throughout its cycle (yay!).
Source: NASA Earth Observatory
Firstly, when materials like rock are weathered, is released into surrounding environments. This mean that natural processes such as natural disasters, rain, or wind cause rocks or other materials to break down, releasing phosphorus. It is then transported between land and water (remember, its atmospheric interactions are essentially nonexistent) through like rain or excess .
After phosphorus has been transported between and soil, living organisms can absorb it and use it for production of and other important , as discussed above. Though, similar to all other cycles, these absorbers will eventually die, and their will release phosphorus back into the environment to restart the cycle. Though, if occurs, this excess phosphorus remains stored in rocks or soil at the bottom of bodies of water.
Over time, a process called brings ocean layers up to become mountains, and the weather, which brings the nutrient into the soil. Phosphate usually clings tightly onto soil, and like we’ve seen before, it doesn’t dissolve easily in water. Therefore, phosphate is a for aquatic ecosystems.
Human Impacts on the Phosphorus Cycle
The two main anthropogenic sources of phosphorus are laundry detergents and .
Like nitrogen, phosphorus plays a big role in plant growth, so humans often add it to . Phosphorus can accumulate in , causing excess buildup which throws off the balance of specific ecosystems. As a result, these bodies of water experience eutrophication, where a body of water's quality drastically decreases due to an excess buildup of nutrients (specifically, like nitrogen and phosphorus). These dead zones are dangerous and can create problems for surrounding plant and animal life.
Key Terms to Review (15)
Aquatic functions
: Aquatic functions refer to the various roles and processes performed by aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater and marine environments. These functions include water purification, nutrient cycling, habitat provision, flood control, and climate regulation.Biomolecules
: Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life processes, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They provide structure and function to cells and organisms.Decomposition
: Decomposition is the process by which organic matter breaks down into simpler substances through the action of decomposers like bacteria and fungi. It plays an important role in nutrient cycling by releasing nutrients back into the environment.DNA
: DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It consists of two long strands twisted into a double helix structure.Geologic Uplift
: Geologic uplift refers to the process by which Earth's crust is raised, resulting in the elevation of landforms such as mountains and plateaus.Groundwater
: Groundwater refers to the water present beneath Earth's surface in saturated zones called aquifers. It is an important source of drinking water and supports ecosystems.Human Impacts on the Phosphorus Cycle
: Human impacts on the phosphorus cycle refer to the activities and actions of humans that disrupt or alter the natural flow of phosphorus in ecosystems. These impacts can include excessive use of fertilizers, deforestation, and pollution from industrial processes.Limiting Nutrient
: A limiting nutrient is an essential nutrient that is in short supply relative to its demand by organisms in an ecosystem. Its scarcity can restrict the growth and productivity of organisms within that ecosystem.Organic phosphorus
: Organic phosphorus refers to phosphorus compounds found in living organisms or organic matter. It plays a crucial role in biological processes such as DNA synthesis, energy transfer, and cell membrane formation.Phosphate Rocks
: Phosphate rocks are sedimentary rocks containing high concentrations of phosphate minerals. They are primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers in agriculture.Phosphorus Cycle
: The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through rocks, water bodies, soil, and living organisms.Runoff
: Runoff refers to the movement of water, such as rainwater or melted snow, over the land surface and into bodies of water. It occurs when the ground is unable to absorb all the water, leading to excess water flowing over the surface.Sedimentation
: Sedimentation is the process by which particles settle out of a fluid (such as water) and accumulate at the bottom over time. It occurs when suspended particles become too heavy to remain in suspension and sink down due to gravity.Synthetic fertilizers
: Synthetic fertilizers are man-made substances that contain essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are commonly used in agriculture to increase crop yields.Weathering
: Weathering is the process by which rocks, minerals, and other materials on Earth's surface are broken down into smaller pieces or chemically altered. It can be caused by physical forces like wind and water, as well as chemical reactions.1.6 The Phosphorous Cycle
2 min read•december 26, 2022
Sumi Vora
Sumi Vora
Phosphorus Cycle
Phosphorus is really similar to nitrogen. We need phosphorus for , RNA, and ATP, and it is also a limiting macronutrient. However, phosphorus' interactions with the atmosphere are limited; it instead cycles between land and water. Additionally, unlike nitrogen, phosphorus is most often found in one chemical form, PO4, and doesn't undergo alteration throughout its cycle (yay!).
Source: NASA Earth Observatory
Firstly, when materials like rock are weathered, is released into surrounding environments. This mean that natural processes such as natural disasters, rain, or wind cause rocks or other materials to break down, releasing phosphorus. It is then transported between land and water (remember, its atmospheric interactions are essentially nonexistent) through like rain or excess .
After phosphorus has been transported between and soil, living organisms can absorb it and use it for production of and other important , as discussed above. Though, similar to all other cycles, these absorbers will eventually die, and their will release phosphorus back into the environment to restart the cycle. Though, if occurs, this excess phosphorus remains stored in rocks or soil at the bottom of bodies of water.
Over time, a process called brings ocean layers up to become mountains, and the weather, which brings the nutrient into the soil. Phosphate usually clings tightly onto soil, and like we’ve seen before, it doesn’t dissolve easily in water. Therefore, phosphate is a for aquatic ecosystems.
Human Impacts on the Phosphorus Cycle
The two main anthropogenic sources of phosphorus are laundry detergents and .
Like nitrogen, phosphorus plays a big role in plant growth, so humans often add it to . Phosphorus can accumulate in , causing excess buildup which throws off the balance of specific ecosystems. As a result, these bodies of water experience eutrophication, where a body of water's quality drastically decreases due to an excess buildup of nutrients (specifically, like nitrogen and phosphorus). These dead zones are dangerous and can create problems for surrounding plant and animal life.
Key Terms to Review (15)
Aquatic functions
: Aquatic functions refer to the various roles and processes performed by aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater and marine environments. These functions include water purification, nutrient cycling, habitat provision, flood control, and climate regulation.Biomolecules
: Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life processes, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They provide structure and function to cells and organisms.Decomposition
: Decomposition is the process by which organic matter breaks down into simpler substances through the action of decomposers like bacteria and fungi. It plays an important role in nutrient cycling by releasing nutrients back into the environment.DNA
: DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It consists of two long strands twisted into a double helix structure.Geologic Uplift
: Geologic uplift refers to the process by which Earth's crust is raised, resulting in the elevation of landforms such as mountains and plateaus.Groundwater
: Groundwater refers to the water present beneath Earth's surface in saturated zones called aquifers. It is an important source of drinking water and supports ecosystems.Human Impacts on the Phosphorus Cycle
: Human impacts on the phosphorus cycle refer to the activities and actions of humans that disrupt or alter the natural flow of phosphorus in ecosystems. These impacts can include excessive use of fertilizers, deforestation, and pollution from industrial processes.Limiting Nutrient
: A limiting nutrient is an essential nutrient that is in short supply relative to its demand by organisms in an ecosystem. Its scarcity can restrict the growth and productivity of organisms within that ecosystem.Organic phosphorus
: Organic phosphorus refers to phosphorus compounds found in living organisms or organic matter. It plays a crucial role in biological processes such as DNA synthesis, energy transfer, and cell membrane formation.Phosphate Rocks
: Phosphate rocks are sedimentary rocks containing high concentrations of phosphate minerals. They are primarily used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers in agriculture.Phosphorus Cycle
: The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through rocks, water bodies, soil, and living organisms.Runoff
: Runoff refers to the movement of water, such as rainwater or melted snow, over the land surface and into bodies of water. It occurs when the ground is unable to absorb all the water, leading to excess water flowing over the surface.Sedimentation
: Sedimentation is the process by which particles settle out of a fluid (such as water) and accumulate at the bottom over time. It occurs when suspended particles become too heavy to remain in suspension and sink down due to gravity.Synthetic fertilizers
: Synthetic fertilizers are man-made substances that contain essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are commonly used in agriculture to increase crop yields.Weathering
: Weathering is the process by which rocks, minerals, and other materials on Earth's surface are broken down into smaller pieces or chemically altered. It can be caused by physical forces like wind and water, as well as chemical reactions.
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