Transcript Phosphorus! - Northern Kentucky University

Phosphorus
Phosphorus and its Importance to
Water Quality
What is Phosphorus?
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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
Acceptable Phosphorus Levels
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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.
Sources of Phosphorus
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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 foodtreating compounds
Natural sources include Phosphate deposits/rich rocks, and sediments in lakes and
reservoirs
The Impact of Phosphorus
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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.
Sources
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http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wc
ptp.htm
http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/
deq-swq-npdes-Phosphorus.pdf
http://www.beec.org/wq/param.html