Environmental Science

Mrs. Miller-Notice
Jameili Thomas and Safiya Scott
DIAGRAM OF THE PHOSPHORUS
CYCLE
 WHAT IS THE PHOSPHORUS
CYCLE?
• The phosphorus Cycle is the process by which phosphorous is transported in
its aqueous form. Inorganic phosphorus is taken in by producer organisms
(plants), incorporated into organic molecules and passed on to consumers
(that feed on producers). It returns to the environment through
decomposition.
• Phosphorous does not have a gaseous state and does not have an
atmospheric phase, as it is only found in the atmosphere in minute dust
particles.
• The replenishment of phosphorus is very slow.
• Phosphorous deposited on the sea bed is generally lost to the cycle.
 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE
PHOSPHORUS CYCLE.
• The phosphorus cycle is important as it allows plants, animals and soil
microbes to access phosphorus, which is necessary for growth and
development.
• The main biological function of phosphorus is that it is required for the
formation of nucleotides, which comprise DNA and RNA molecules. In
addition phosphorus is also needed for Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP),
humans main energy storage molecules.
• Phosphorus regulates protein synthesis in plants and is therefore vital in cell
division and the development of new tissue.
• Phosphorus is also needed for animals to make teeth, bones and shells.
 THE MOVEMENT OF PHOSPHORUS
• The phosphorus cycle first begins with plants, where inorganic phosphorus is
taken in and incorporated into organic molecules.
• Phosphorus is then passed on to consumers when they feed on these
producers.
• When the consumers die and decomposers such as fungi break down their
bodies, the phosphate is released into the soil.
• The phosphate is leached into water bodies such as lakes and ponds, where
sedimentation occurs and new rocks are created.
• When these rocks are exposed to the surface and weathered, phosphate is
released back into the soil and the process begins once more.
 A FOOD CHAIN FROM THE CYCLE
• Grass -> Snail -> Fungi
 THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE AND
EUTROPHICATION
• When Phosphates are leached into the lakes, ponds or rivers it encourages
the growth of green plants and algae. The plants and algae begin to die
and are decomposed by aerobic bacteria, that multiply and use up the
dissolved oxygen. This causes the other organisms such as fish to die.
 THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE AND
MAN
• Man increases the rate of eutrophication by using detergents that contain
phosphates.
• Farmers use Chemical fertilizers that contain phosphates that increase
eutrophication.
 QUESTIONS
• What is the phosphorus cycle?
• What is the importance of phosphorus?
• Briefly describe the movement of phosphorus.
• Give an example of a food chain.
• What is Eutrophication?
• How has man altered the cycle?
THANK YOU
😊