THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

HOW THE ELEMENT IS CYCLED

• Key component of:
• Cell membranes
• Several molecules essential to life (DNA & RNA)
• Is released naturally only when rocks are worn down water or wind

ORGANISMS IN THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

• Plants:
• Taken up through their roots when dissolved in water
• Consumers:
• Acquired from water they drink and organisms they eat
• Waste contains phosphorus that decomposers return to the soil

HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

• Mine phosphorus to use as fertilizers
• Release phosphorus-rich wastewater from houses and businesses
• Added to detergent to improve cleaning power