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The Phosphorus Cycle

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.

Primary Production

Primary Production

The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.

What are Biogeochemical Cycles?

What are Biogeochemical Cycles?

The most common elements in organic molecules, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, are only available in the ecosystem in limited amounts. Therefore, these nutrients must be recycled through both biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, in processes generally called biogeochemical cycles.

Factors Affecting Solubility

Factors Affecting Solubility

Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion (one also produced by dissolution of the ionic compound). This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common ion effect, which is a consequence of the law of mass action that may be explained using Le Chȃtelier’s principle. Consider the dissolution of silver iodide:

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.

Introduction to Electrolytes

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
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

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

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

Published on: March 6, 2014

Internal phosphorus cycling in macrophyte-dominated eutrophic lakes and its implications.

Lu Wang¹, Tingting Yang¹, Pengfei Hei¹

¹College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China.

Journal of Environmental Management

|January 10, 2022

Summary

Macrophyte-dominated eutrophication (MDE) involves phosphorus cycling between plants and sediment, unlike phytoplankton-dominated eutrophication. Harvesting macrophytes before they wither is key for restoring MDE lakes.

Keywords:

Before-after-control-impact Eutrophication Internal pollution Lake MDE Macrophyte overgrowth Phosphorus Sediment

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Last Updated: Oct 7, 2025

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

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

Published on: March 6, 2014

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment

Published on: July 22, 2019

Capturing Flow-weighted Water and Suspended Particulates from Agricultural Canals During Drainage Events

Capturing Flow-weighted Water and Suspended Particulates from Agricultural Canals During Drainage Events

Published on: November 7, 2017

Area of Science:

Aquatic ecology
Environmental science
Limnology

Background:

Macrophyte-dominated eutrophication (MDE) differs significantly from phytoplankton-dominated eutrophication (PDE).
The role of phosphorus (P) cycling in MDE lake management is underestimated.
Understanding P cycling is crucial for effective eco-environmental strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the P-cycling mechanism in a typical MDE lake.
To compare P cycling in MDE lakes with different macrophyte and water flow conditions.
To inform management strategies for MDE lake restoration.

Main Methods:

Utilized a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design.
Studied 13 sub-lakes with varying macrophyte presence and external water flow.
Analyzed P-cycling dynamics in a macrophyte-dominated ecosystem.

Main Results:

Phosphorus cycling in MDE lakes primarily occurs via a "macrophyte ↔ sediment" pathway.
Macrophyte biodynamics drives this self-enforced P cycling, distinct from the "water ↔ sediment" cycle in PDE lakes.
Findings challenge current management focused solely on water nutrient content.

Conclusions:

Successful MDE lake restoration requires addressing sustainable "macrophyte-sediment" P cycling.
Recommends macrophyte harvesting before withering as a sustainable management technique for shallow, periodically frozen MDE lakes.
This method promotes a shift towards a stable state with low sediment P, reduced macrophyte biomass, and increased biodiversity, preventing catastrophic shifts to PDE.