GE-ES-PHOSPHORUS-cycle.pptxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Educational material for ge-elect ED

1. THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE Presented by: Group 4

2. 1.Define what is Phosphorus ,and where can we find it. 2. Explain what is Phosphorus cycle and its stages. 3. Analyze the relevance of the cycle to climate change, the effects of humans to the cycle, and how can we help not to disrupt the cycle. 2 IN THIS LESSON WE WILL LEARN:

3. Phosphorus is a chemical element found on Earth in numerous compound forms, such as the phosphate ion (PO43-), Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants. It plays a critical role in cell development and is a key component of molecules that store energy, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), DNA and lipids (fats and oils). Insufficient phosphorus in the soil can result in a decreased crop yield. WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS? 3

4. 1. Mineral Rocks The main natural source of phosphorus is mineral rocks, particularly apatite, which is a group of phosphate minerals. 2. Soil Once released from rocks, phosphate ions become part of the soil. Plants absorb these ions through their roots, incorporating phosphorus into their biological molecules, such as DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids. 4 WHERE CAN WE FIND PHOSPHORUS?

5. 3. Water Bodies Phosphorus can also be found in aquatic environments. It enters water bodies through runoff from the land, which carries soil particles containing phosphate ions. Aquatic plants and algae absorb these phosphates. Additionally, phosphorus can settle in sediments at the bottom of water bodies, contributing to long-term geological cycles. 5 WHERE CAN WE FIND PHOSPHORUS?

6. 4. Organic Matter Phosphorus is present in all living organisms. When plants and animals die, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down their organic matter, releasing phosphorus back into the soil and water. This process recycles phosphorus within ecosystems. 6 WHERE CAN WE FIND PHOSPHORUS?

7. The phosphorus cycle is a crucial biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike other nutrient cycles, such as the nitrogen or carbon cycles, the phosphorus cycle does not include a significant gaseous phase and primarily occurs through terrestrial and aquatic environments. Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms. WHAT IS THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE 7

8. The stages of the phosphorus cycle takes many years to complete and repeat. WHAT IS THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE 8

9. Weathering Over a long period, phosphates found in the sedimentary rocks as PO43-, are leached out of the disintegrated rocks from its various environmental sources in the form of inorganic phosphate ions. This process called weathering acts as the first key step of the phosphorus cycle. 9 THE STAGES OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

10. 2. Mineralization by plants Plants absorb organic phosphorus present in soil and underground water and convert them to inorganic forms for utilization is called mineralization. The aquatic plants absorb inorganic phosphorus from lower layers of water bodies due to their low solubility in water. 10 THE STAGES OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

11. 3. Absorption by Animals The animals absorb phosphorus from the plants or by consuming plant-eating animals. Herbivorous and carnivorous animals, including humans, absorb phosphorus when they consume these plants for their food, a process known as assimilation. Besides, animals obtain phosphorus directly from drinking water. The rate of the phosphorus cycle is faster in plants and animals when compared to rocks. 11 THE STAGES OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

12. 4. Decomposition by microorganisms Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi decompose organic phosphates back into the inorganic form, which is then returned to the soil and water bodies. Phosphorus-containing compounds may also be carried in the surface runoff to rivers, lakes, and oceans to form sediments. 12 THE STAGES OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

13. 5. Geological uplift by tectonic movements Over long periods, sedimentary rocks containing phosphorus may be moved from the ocean to the land by a process called geological uplift. The phosphorus thus deposited as sediments are ultimately released back into the environment through the process of weathering, thus completing the cycle. 13 THE STAGES OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE

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15. RELEVANCE OF P-CYCLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 15 The phosphorus cycle is intricately linked to climate change in several ways, even though phosphorus itself is not a greenhouse gas. The following relevance are: Enhances Plant Growth Improves Soil Health Impacts Agriculture Affects Aquatic Ecosystems Interacts with Other Cycles

16. RELEVANCE OF P-CYCLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 16 The phosphorus cycle is intricately linked to climate change in several ways, even though phosphorus itself is not a greenhouse gas. The following relevance are: Enhances Plant Growth Improves Soil Health Impacts Agriculture Affects Aquatic Ecosystems Interacts with Other Cycles

17. THE EFFECT OF HUMAN TO THE CYCLE 17 Using of phosphate-containing fertilizers Cutting down of tropical rain forests Spilling of phosphate during transportation Leaching (Dissolving into water) of phosphorus from households and industries into water bodies

18. HOW DOES THE USE OF FERTILIZER AFFECT THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE? 18 Excessive use of phosphate fertilizers to enrich the soil also potentially increases the phosphorus content of the water bodies through surface runoff. This phenomenon leads to excessive growth of algae, thus lowering the dissolved oxygen level in the water bodies, resulting in severe loss of aquatic lives.

19. 19 HOW DOES DEFORESTATION AFFECT THE PHOSPHORUS CYCLE? Cutting down of trees increases soil erosion and thus decrease the phosphorus content of the soil. Since phosphorus acts as a limiting nutrient for plant growth, deforestation affects the phosphorus cycle.

20. 20 HOW DOES SPILLING OF PHOSPHATE AND LEACHING PHOSPHORUS AFFECT THE CYCLE? Phosphate not utilised by plants can be lost from the soil through leaching and water run-off. This phosphate ends up in waterways, lakes and estuaries. Excess phosphate causes excessive growth of plants in waterways, lakes and estuaries leading to Eutrophication, a phenomena that may lead to creating dead zones in the water where it is inhabitable by many aquatic lifeforms.

21. 21 HOW CAN WE HELP NOT TO DISRUPT THE CYCLE 1. Minimize fertilizer use: Reducing the amount of fertilizers high in phosphorus used in agriculture can help stop too much phosphorus from getting into water systems. 2. Appropriate disposal of waste: Making sure that phosphorus-containing waste, such manure and sewage, is appropriately handled and disposed of in order to stop runoff into water bodies.

22. 22 HOW CAN WE HELP NOT TO DISRUPT THE CYCLE 3. By putting in place vegetation buffer zones next to water bodies, excess phosphorus can be filtered out before it enters the water. 4. Encourage the use of sustainable agricultural techniques: Crop rotation, cover crops, and precision farming can all assist to improve soil health and decrease the demand for phosphorus fertilizers.

23. 23 HOW CAN WE HELP NOT TO DISRUPT THE CYCLE 5. Investing in more advanced wastewater treatment technologies can assist in supporting wastewater treatment.

24. 24 CONCLUSION In conclusion, just like the other biochemical cycles on earth, the Phosphorus cycle is important to the lives of its habitants and the quality of our environment. that is why we must strive to not destroy the cycles and help it continue for future generations to come.

25. 25 Video Presentation Source: https://youtu.be/izgqpfPZyRQ

26. THANK YOU