Phosphorus cycle

The phosphorus cycle is the atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movements of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature and pressure found on Earth.

Phosphorus in the environment

  Phosphorus normally occurs in nature as part of a Runoff may carry them back to the ocean or they may be reincorporated into rock.

The primary biological importance of phosphates is as a component of phospholipids (found in all biological membranes).

Phosphates move quickly through plants and animals; however, the processes that move them through the soil or ocean are very slow, making the phosphorus cycle overall one of the slowest biogeochemical cycles.

References

• Part III of "Matter cycles": The phosphorus cycle, Lenntech Water treatment & air purification, Holding B.V. 2006
• Environmental Literacy Council - Phosphorus Cycle
• Monitoring and assessing water quality, section 5.6 Phosphorus - EPA