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Related Concept Videos

The Phosphorus Cycle01:21

The Phosphorus Cycle

Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
Introduction to Electrolytes01:33

Introduction to Electrolytes

In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate01:27

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health01:31

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Minerals01:26

Minerals

Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Threats to Biodiversity01:50

Threats to Biodiversity

There have been five major extinction events throughout geological history, resulting in the elimination of biodiversity, followed by a rebound of species that adapted to the new conditions. In the current geological epoch, the Holocene, there is a sixth extinction event in progress. This mass extinction has been attributed to human activities and is thus provisionally called the Anthropocene. In 2019 the human population reached 7.7 billion people and is projected to comprise 10 billion by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
06:42

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment

Published on: July 22, 2019

Phosphorus: a limiting nutrient for humanity?

James J Elser1

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA. j.elser@asu.edu

Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|April 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Phosphorus (P) is vital for life but current mining and fertilizer use cause environmental damage and resource depletion. Sustainable P use requires increased farm efficiency and widespread food chain recycling.

More Related Videos

Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
10:49

Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading

Published on: March 6, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
06:42

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment

Published on: July 22, 2019

Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
10:49

Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading

Published on: March 6, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Environmental Science
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for life, critical for DNA, RNA, and rapid organism growth.
  • Current agricultural practices rely heavily on mined phosphorus for fertilizer, supporting global food production.
  • Environmental issues like eutrophication and resource depletion raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of phosphorus mining.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the non-sustainable nature of current human phosphorus use.
  • To advocate for increased efficiency in farm-level phosphorus utilization.
  • To emphasize the need for societal development of food chain phosphorus recycling technologies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current phosphorus mining and fertilizer application practices.
  • Analysis of environmental impacts, including eutrophication.
  • Assessment of resource availability and geopolitical factors related to phosphorus supply.

Main Results:

  • Human phosphorus use is currently unsustainable, leading to environmental degradation.
  • Eutrophication of water bodies is a significant consequence of fertilizer runoff.
  • Long-term viability of mined phosphorus is threatened by increasing global demand and resource limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Achieving phosphorus sustainability necessitates enhanced farm-level efficiency in P use.
  • Developing and implementing technologies for recycling phosphorus from the food chain is crucial.
  • A radical restructuring of the food system is required for prompt and sustained action towards phosphorus sustainability.