Unit A

Module 1 ~ Lesson 4

The Phosphorus Cycle



CC 3.0. Bonniemf.

Phosphorus does not cycle through the atmosphere

Phosphorus in the biosphere is stored in water and geological formations


Phosphorus is released from sediments and rocks and into the water where it becomes available to plants in the form of the phosphate ion (PO43-).    

A build-up of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems is called eutrophication


Nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers and household chemicals can cause eutrophication in bodies of water. These excess nutrients support the overgrowth of algae, also known as an algal bloom.

 Read

Read "The Phosphorus Cycle" and "The Flow of Matter and Transfer of Energy are Linked" on pages 49 to 52 in your textbook.

Exploring the Phosphorus Cycle

  1. Select the interactive below.
  2. The interactive is set at the water cycle. To view the phosphorus cycle, select Phosphorus Cycle.
  3. How are the phosphorus cycle and water cycle related?