Phosphorus cycle
Article
The phosphorus cycle is the movement of phosphorus among rocks, soils, water, sediments, and living organisms. Phosphorus is essential for DNA, RNA, ATP, cell membranes, bones, and many biochemical reactions.
Weathering releases phosphate from rocks into soils and water. Plants and microorganisms take it up, animals obtain it through food, and decomposition returns it to the environment.
Unlike carbon and nitrogen, phosphorus has no large natural atmospheric reservoir. Its cycle is therefore dominated by erosion, biological uptake, river transport, sedimentation, burial, uplift, and renewed weathering.
Fertiliser use, sewage, mining, and soil erosion have greatly increased phosphorus delivery to rivers, lakes, and coasts. Excess inputs can cause eutrophication, algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and changes in aquatic ecosystems.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorus_cycle