Human Influence on the Phosphorus Cycle

Characteristics of Phosphorusan essential nutrient for plants and animals

in the form of ions PO43- and HPO4

2-

part of DNA and RNA-moleculespart of molecules that store energy (ATP and

ADP) part of fats of cell membranesa building block of certain parts of the human

and animal body, such as the bones and teeth

Characteristics of Phosphoruscan be found on earth, water, soil and sediments;

cannot be found in the gaseous stateusually liquid at normal temperatures and

pressuresmainly cycling through water, soil and sedimentscan be found as very small dust particles in the

atmospheremost commonly found in rock formations and

ocean sediments as phosphate saltsoften the limiting factor for plant growth both in

land and marine ecosystems

Phosphorus Cyclea biogeochemical cycle that describes the

movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere; the atmosphere does not play significant role

the slowest one of the matter cycles

Interferences on the Phosphorus Cycle

Agriculturefarmers often apply phosphate fertilizers on

farmland since phosphorous is often a limiting factor in plant growth

interference in the phosphorus cycle occurs by overuse or careless use of phosphorus fertilizers

excessive amounts of nutrients, particularly phosphorous, in the soil will pollute aquatic ecosystems

this interference will result to eutrophication or algal blooms

Cutting down of rainforestsphosphate supplies deplete due to extensive

wood chopping in forest areasmost of the phosphate can be found in the

ground under the treeswhen the trees are removed, the rain washes

phosphates away, causing the ground to become unproductive

Products with phosphorususe of laundry detergents, which contain

phosphorous, contributed to significant concentrations of phosphorus in rivers, lakes, and streams

another cause of eutrophication

Effects of Human Influence on the Phosphorus CycleAlgal Bloom

Algal Blooms occur in both fresh and saltwater environments when certain species of algae out-compete other organisms and reproduce rapidly, often forming visible discolored patches on the surface of the water that can produce toxins detrimental to other organisms

The blooms can block sunlight and deplete oxygen in the water which causes distress to other organisms

Effects of Human Influence on the Phosphorus Cycle

HypoxiaHypoxia, or oxygen

depletion, is a phenomenon that occurs in aquatic environments as dissolved oxygen  becomes reduced in concentration to a point where it becomes detrimental to aquatic organisms living in the system.

This is a result of eutrophication.

Referenceshttp://www.lenntech.com/matter-cycles-pollut

ion.htmhttp://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/480.

htmlhttp://water.epa.gov/type/rsl/monitoring/vms5

6.cfmhttp://www.lenntech.com/phosphorus-cycle.ht

mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus_cycl

ehttp://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Algal+B

loom