BIOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESS: PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

I. INTRODUCTION
 The Phosphorus cycle is a process by which phosphorus moves
through the lithosphere (soil), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere.
 It is the slowest biogeochemical cycle.
 Phosphorus
 Most phosphorus in nature exists in the form of phosphate ion
(PO43-).
 In nature, phosphorus is often the limiting nutrient, or nutrient
that is most scarce and this limits growth in aquatic ecosystems.
 Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for living organisms.

II. PROCESS

4 Major steps in the phosphorus cycle

1. Weathering
2. Absorption by Plants
3. Absorption by Animals
4. Return to the environment through decomposition
PHOSPHORUS CYCLE PROCESS:

1. Weathering
Since phosphorus is commonly found in rocks, the phosphorus
cycle begins in the earth’s crust through these rocks. Over time,
phosphate ions and other minerals are extracted from the rocks through
rain and weathering. As the rocks weather, the phosphorus they contain is
slowly distributed throughout soils and surface water through leaching and
other sources of erosion.

2. Absorption by plants
Once the phosphorus is in the soil, microorganisms, plants, and
fungi take up or absorb the inorganic phosphorus or dissolved phosphate
salts present in soils and water. Plants directly absorb phosphorus from
the water allowing the plant to grow. Basically, the phosphorus or
phosphate compounds from the soil or water systems are taken up by the
plants. Eventually, the phosphorus is then transferred to the heterotrophs
or animals that feed on the plants.

3. Absorption by animals
The organic form of phosphorus is then transferred to the next level
of consumers. Phosphate compounds from marine or terrestrial plants are
absorbed by animals when herbivorous animals feed on the plants or
when carnivores feed on herbivores. In addition, when phosphate
compounds are in the plants or animals, the phosphate is incorporated
into organic molecules such as DNA.

4. Return to the environment through decomposition

Eventually, when plants and animals die, these dead organisms will
be decomposed by bacteria and other microbes, and the organic form of
phosphorus is returned to the soil. During decomposition, the organic form
of phosphorus is converted into an inorganic form through a process
called mineralization. The inorganic form of phosphorus is then recycled to
the environment through the soil and water systems. Plants and animals in
this specific environment can then use the phosphorus and the second
step in the cycle is repeated.
Moreover, the phosphorus may also end up in sediments or rock
formations. Overtime, phosphorus is released again from rocks through
weathering or erosion and this released phosphorus is then absorbed by
plants allowing the phosphorus cycle to start over.
III. IMPORTANCE, BENEFITS, AND ADVANTAGES
 Provides phosphorus which plays a critical role in cell development and also
a key component of molecules that store energy, such as:

1. Adenosine triphosphate or ATP

- Complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many
processes in living cells.

2. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA

- A genetic instruction for the development, functioning, growth and
reproduction of all known organisms.

3. Lipids
- The functions of lipids include storing energy, signalling, and
acting as structural components of cell membranes.

 Phosphorus is an essential component of commercial fertilizer. This has an

important role in photosynthesis, respiration, energy storage and transfer,
cell division, cell enlargement and several other processes in plants.

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OR CONCERNS

 Eutrophication
 Agricultural fertilizers
 Phosphate stimulates the growth of plankton and plants. In bodies of water,
excess growth of these plants tend to consume large amounts of dissolved
oxygen, potentially suffocating fish and other aquatic organisms, while also
blocking available sunlight to bottom dwelling species.
 Most agricultural fertilizers contain both nitrogen and phosphorus, which
may be transported to aquatic ecosystems through surface runoff.
Excessive growth of algae or other microorganisms may be caused by the
fertilizer transported or carried in the runoff.
 Impairs water quality

 Dead Zones
 Regions of lakes and oceans that are depleted of oxygen due to a nutrient
influx.
 When the algae die and are decomposed by microbes and microorganism,
large amounts of oxygen are utilized as the algae is broken down. The
increase in oxygen usage can lower the levels of dissolved oxygen in the
water, and aquatic organism may eventually lead to death by lack of
oxygen or hypoxia.
 Dead zones are usually found in areas of high industrialization and high
population density.
V. MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OR CONCERNS
 Eutrophication and Dead Zones
 Sources of phosphorus and nitrogen that causes eutrophication can be
fertilizers, detergents containing phosphorus, and improperly disposed
sewage. Therefore, using less fertilizer, phosphorus-containing detergents,
and ensuring that sewage does not enter waterways are some of the
practices that may help reduce eutrophication.
 In the present times, the main control mechanisms for the eutrophic
process are based on prevention techniques.
 Improvement of the performance of waste water treatment plants by
installing treatment systems that reduce nutrient concentrations.
 Remove nitrogen and phosphorus present in run-odd water by
implementing effective filter ecosystems.
 Rationalization of agricultural techniques through proper planning of
fertilization and use of slow fertilizers.
References:

Phosphorus Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://enviroliteracy.org/air-climate-

weather/biogeochemical-cycles/phosphorus-cycle/

The Phosphorus Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/biogeochemical-cycles/a/the-
phosphorous-
cycle?utm_account=Grant&utm_campaignname=Grant_Science_Dynamic&gclid=E
AIaIQobChMIpNbdu4_G5AIVT3ZgCh3DuwhiEAAYASAAEgIgaPD_BwE

Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao. (2013). The Phosphorus Cycle.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/961-the-phosphorus-cycle

What is eutrophication? Causes, effects and control. (2016). Retrieved from

http://www.eniscuola.net/en/2016/11/03/what-is-eutrophication-causes-effects-and-
control/

Phosphorus Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://biologydictionary.net/phosphorus-cycle/

The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Phosphorus Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12,
from https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-
and-maps/phosphorus-cycle