Phosphorus Cycle (5)

Human intervention is a significant factor in the phosphorus cycle. Large quantities of phosphates are mined and used as fertilizers and for other uses, such as in detergents. The result is that some fresh water streams and lakes have a great excess of biologically available phosphate from runoff and sewage. Since, in such bodies of water, phosphate is often a limiting factor in photosynthesis; excessive growth of aquatic plants ensues. This process, called eutrophication, can totally disrupt aquatic ecosystems with serious consequences.