Phosphorous Cycle & Human Activities

Phosphorus

essential part of DNA and RNA, found in rocks so the atmosphere is not involved

weathered rocks

through rain and erosion, dissolved phosphorus can enter bodies of water and soil

plants

absorb dissolved phosphorus, then consumed by animals

organisms decompose

phosphorus is returned to sediment and rock

nutrient cycles

natural ways for matter to recycle, but humans altered them in significant ways

synthetic fertizlers

introduced by humans, overloaded ecosystems with too much nitrogen and phosphorus

carbon dioxide

humans accelerated addition to the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels

carbon

cannot be removed from the atmosphere as quickly by destroying forests

extra carbon

dissolves in the ocean causing it to be more acidic and threaten life