Phosphorus cycle : Introduction, Steps, Importance, and Human Impacts

Define Phosphorus.

Phosphorus is a chemical element that bears the atomic number 15 & the chemical symbol P. It is a nonmetal that can be found in the periodic table’s third row. Phosphorus is a very reactive element that appears in a variety of allotropic forms such as white, red, and black phosphorus. It is vital for human survival since it is an integral part of DNA, RNA, and ATP, a molecule that stores energy for metabolic activities.  Phosphorus is used as well in a wide range of uses in industry, including fertilizers, detergents, and flame retardants. It was discovered in 1669 by the chemist Hennig Brand. We will learn more about the Phosphorus cycle in this article.

What is Phosphorus cycle?

The phosphorus cycle is a biogeochemical cycle which describes the flow of phosphorus throughout Earth’s systems, which include the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Steps of Phosphorus cycle

The steps of the phosphorus cycling are as follows:

1. Weathering: Conditions such as erosion and chemical weathering liberate phosphorus from minerals and rocks. 
2. Plant absorption: Plants take phosphorus from the earth via their roots. Phosphorus is a mineral that is required for the development and growth of plants. 
3. Animal consumption: Plants are consumed by herbivores and predators, and the phosphorus is transported up the food chain to higher trophic levels.
4. Decomposition: When animals and plants die, the phosphorus that was stored in their cells is let back into the soil by fungus and bacteria via decomposition.
5. Sedimentation: As phosphorus settles to the bottom of reservoirs of water or aggregates in soil, it can become absorbed into sediment.
6. Geological uplift: Over millions of years, geological processes can rise phosphorus-containing material, bringing it back to the surface and restarting the cycle.
7. Human activities: Human activities, such as agriculture and wastewater treatment, can also have an influence on the phosphorus cycle. Fertilizers, for example, can introduce significant quantities of phosphorus into the soil, which can subsequently leak into groundwater or flow into neighboring bodies of water. Phosphorus excess can cause eutrophication and other environmental issues. Proper phosphorus management in human activities is critical for maintaining a healthy cycling of Phosphorus.

Importance of Phosphorus cycle

The phosphorus biogeochemical cycle is important for several reasons:

1. Nutrient:  Phosphorus is a vital mineral for all living species, and its availability in certain habitats can limit plant development. It contributes to ensuring a sufficient supply of phosphorus for plant development and other biological activities.
2. Energy transfer: Phosphorus is an essential component of ATP, the energy-storing molecule in cells. Energy transmission in biological systems would be hindered if the phosphorus cycle was not healthy.
3. Ecosystem function: It is an important mechanism in the operation of ecosystems. It aids in the regulation of the cycling of nitrogen, plant development, and the productiveness of aquatic habitats.
4. Human activities: The phosphorus cycle is also vital for human activities like farming and manufacturing.  Phosphorus is a vital part of fertilizers, and correct regulation of the cycle is critical for sustainable agriculture. Phosphorus is utilized in a range of industrial applications, including the manufacturing of detergents, flame retardants, and other compounds.

Human impact on the biogeochemical cycle

Human activities have a significant impact on the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle. Here are some ways in which human activities affect the cycle:

1. Agriculture: One of the most significant human influences on the phosphorus cycle is the use of fertilizers in agriculture. Phosphorus levels in fertilizers are high, and this can seep into groundwater or runoff into neighboring bodies of water, causing eutrophication and other environmental issues.
2. Wastewater treatment: Phosphorus levels in human wastewater are high, and when discharged into rivers, they lead to eutrophication. To avoid excess phosphorus from entering the environment, wastewater treatment must be managed properly.
3. Land use changes: Changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, can have an influence on the metabolism of phosphorus by affecting the phosphorus equilibrium in soil and water systems.
4. Mining: Phosphorus is mined for use in a variety of industrial uses, and mining has the potential to disrupt the natural phosphorous cycle by modifying the amount of phosphorus in soil and water systems.
5. Aquaculture: Aquaculture activities, such as fish farms, can contribute to excess phosphorus in water systems. It may result in eutrophication along with other environmental issues.

Proper phosphorus cycle management is critical for long-term development and environmental health. Human effect on the cycle may be reduced by lowering fertilizer usage, increasing wastewater treatment, and encouraging sustainable land use practices.