Phosphorous

What is It?

-Phosphorous is a nutrient; essential for plant growth. 

-Phosphorous in our environment is found as inorganic phosphates and organic phosphates. 

Why is it in the environment?

-The organic form is found in living plants, animals, and animal by-products. 

-Inorganic Phosphorous is found in soil particles as well as in certain household detergents.

-Phosphorus is a limiting and increased levels of Phosphorous will result in eutrophication- the immense growth of aquatic vegetation due to excessive nutrients.

-Fertilizers, pesticides and cleaning compounds are the most prevalent causes of phosphorus contamination in surface waters.

How does it affect water quality?

-Agricultural run-off and other non-point source pollution contribute to eutrophication.

-The increased plant growth causes a depletion of oxygen in the water due to the heavy oxygen demand and reduced dissolved Oxygen.

How does it affect adults?

-It has not been shown that Phosphorous adversely effects human health.

How does it affect children?

-It has not been shown that Phosphorous adversely effects human health

What are the EPA regulations?

-Phosphates should not exceed .05 mg/l if streams discharge into lakes or reservoirs.

-.025 mg/l within a lake or reservoir.

-And .1 mg/l in streams or flowing waters not discharging into lakes or reservoirs to control algal growth.