The Phosphorus Cycle

• 1. Phosphorus CycleBSE11

2. Phosphorus atoms are an integral part of many types of biological molecules and are essential to life. For example, Phosphorus atoms are components of the chemical backbone of DNA- the genetic material of cells. Phosphorus atoms are also found in phospholipids, which make up cellular membranes The Phosphorus Cycle 3. The main phosphorus reservoir on Earth are found within the rocks of the crust. During weathering, the rocks release phosphorus into the form of phosphate into the soil. Phosphate then enters the plants (or any other producers), and from these producers, it is consumed by the rest of the food chain. Because phosphorus does not enter the atmosphere easily, it is said to have a sedimentary cycle. Phosphorus cycles within land and ocean ecosystem before it falls as sediment to the ocean bottom and incorporates to the rock again. 4. In living organisms 5. HOW DO HUMANS ACQUIRE PHOSPHORUS? Weathering Phosphate in soil Plants, crops Animals Decomposers Runoff Phosphate in Water Marine Organisms Ocean Sediments 6. How we intervene with the cycle? MINING / FERTILIZING SEWAGE TREATMENT