THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
Importance of phosphorus: in DNA and RNA, bones, teeth, shells, cell membranes
Sources not found in the atmosphere comes from weathering of rocks phosphate ions dissolve in water
Plants and animals plants absorb phosphate from the soil animals eat plants decomposition returns phosphates to the soil
Fungi mycorrhizae are fungi that live in plant roots (symbiotic) makes phosphate more soluble so plants can use it
Ocean sediments remains of aquatic animals form sediments and eventually rock
Human influences phosphate is mined to make fertilizers and detergents fertilizers, detergents, and sewage add phosphates to waterways too much phosphorus is harmful to aquatic ecosystems