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Phosphorus

Phosphorus. Phosphorus and its Importance to Water Quality. What is Phosphorus?. A nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth of plants and animals.

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Phosphorus

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  1. Phosphorus Phosphorus and its Importance to Water Quality

  2. What is Phosphorus? • A nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family • Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth of plants and animals. • Phosphates PO4--- are formed from this element. Phosphates exist in three forms: orthophosphate, metaphosphate (or polyphosphate) and organically bound phosphate

  3. Acceptable Phosphorus Levels • There is no water quality standard for total phosphorus. • A guideline of 0.05 milligrams per milliliter is used for purposes of comparison. • Sites with total phosphorus concentrations above this level are at risk of excessive algal growth.

  4. Sources of Phosphorus • The Primary Point Source for Phosphorus in surface waters is sewage treatment plants • Additional Phosphorus originates from the use of industrial products, such as toothpaste, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and food-treating compounds • Natural sources include Phosphate deposits/-rich rocks, and sediments in lakes and reservoirs

  5. The Impact of Phosphorus • Excessive concentrations of Phosphorus can cause extensive growth of aquatic plants and algal blooms • This can lead to depletion of oxygen that is dissolved in water, which can ultimately lead to the deaths of fish and other aquatic life.

  6. Sources • http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcptp.htm • http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-swq-npdes-Phosphorus.pdf • http://www.beec.org/wq/param.html

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