How does phosphorus get into water

TP is an important measure because most phosphate enters our rivers attached to sediment via run-off. Over time the phosphate that is bound to the sediment dissolves, and becomes available for aquatic plant and algae growth. In this form, it is called dissolved reactive phosphorus DRP. DRP is also the mobile form of phosphorus in groundwater, so it is the form most likely to be transported to surface water via groundwater springs. There are currently no guidelines or limits set for acceptable concentrations of DRP in groundwater, although some regional councils and unitary authorities have set surface water quality limits for DRP.

Very high phosphorus concentrations in a stream, river or lake are likely to cause rapid weed growth or algal blooms which can choke aquatic life and cause long-term damage to the health of a waterbody. Where groundwater supports surface water flows, the DRP in the groundwater can also contribute to the growth of algae in surface water. Phosphorus can occur naturally in rocks and minerals, and it can be a common component in soils and sediments. Weathering of rocks and minerals releases phosphorus in bio-available forms as DRP, suitable for uptake by plants.

DRP can occur naturally in groundwater depending on the aquifer geology and groundwater conditions. Fertilisers can be applied to soils to improve phosphorus availability, enabling agricultural and horticultural intensification and improved pasture production.

Phosphorus binds strongly to soil particles, but once the capacity of the soil to store phosphorus is exceeded, it will leach downward through the soil profile into groundwater. Alternatively, if the soil suffers erosion, it will move with surface runoff to rivers. Much of the phosphorus in our rivers is a result of erosion and fertiliser use. However, in some areas of New Zealand, concentrations of DRP in groundwater have a natural source component, due to the chemical make-up of the aquifer geology, the redox environment and age of the groundwater.

Water in the lake comes from streamflow from a nearby river. Certainly a pleasant pastoral setting for any person or duck. The picture, taken in October , shows Brookmill Park Lake during normal conditions. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients—yet too much of a good thing is not always a good thing.

Scientists are investigating nutrient pollution down the Mississippi River. Skip to main content. Search Search. Water Science School. Phosphorus and Water. Water Quality Information by Topic Learn more.

Water Properties Information by Topic Learn more. Science Center Objects Overview Related Science Publications Maps Multimedia News Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant and animal growth and nourishment, but the overabundance of certain nutrients in water can cause a number of adverse health and ecological effects.

Below are other science projects associated with phosphorus and nutrients. Date published: August 9, Filter Total Items: 2. Year Select Year Apply Filter.

Date published: May 21, Date published: October 24, Goals included: 1. Below are publications associated with phosphorus. Mueller, David K. View Citation. Year Published: Temporal changes in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations with comparisons to conservation practices and agricultural activities in the Lower Grand River, Missouri and Iowa, and selected watersheds, — This report presents the results of a cooperative study by the U.

Krempa, Heather M. Krempa, H. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report —, 28 p. Year Published: The quality of our nation's waters: Nutrients and pesticides This report is the first in a series of nontechnical publications, 'The quality of our nation's waters,' designed to describe major findings of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program regarding water-quality issues of regional and national concern.

Attribution: Water Resources. Below are map products associated with phosphorus. Filter Total Items: 3. Date published: June 25, Date published: April 8, Date published: April 7, Below are multimedia items associated with phosphorus. Filter Total Items: 5. List Grid. Refer to section 2. In addition to sample containers and the standard sampling apparel, you will need the following equipment and supplies for total reactive phosphorus analysis:. Be sure to use the same sample cell test tube for each sample.

If the test tube breaks, use a new one and repeat step 1 to "zero" the meter. Samples for different types of phosphorus must be analyzed within a certain time period. For some types of phosphorus, this is a matter of hours; for others, samples can be preserved and held for longer periods. Samples being tested for orthophosphate must be analyzed within 48 hours of collection. In any case, keep the samples on ice and take them to the lab or drop-off point as soon as possible. Lab methods for other tests are described in the references below APHA.

First, absorbance values must be converted to milligrams per liter. This is done by constructing a "standard curve" using the absorbance results from your standard concentrations. Results can either be reported "as P" or "as PO4. Since the PO4 molecule is three times as heavy as the P atom, results reported as PO4 are three times the concentration of those reported as P. For example, if you measure 0.

To convert PO4 to P, divide by 3. To convert P to PO4, multiply by 3. To avoid this confusion, and since most state water quality standards are reported as P, this manual recommends that results always be reported as P. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater.

Dates, Geoff. Monitoring for phosphorus or how come they don't tell you this stuff in the manual? Volunteer Monitor, Vol. River Watch Network. Total phosphorus persulfate digestion followed by ascorbic acid procedure, Hach adaptation of Standard Methods. July 1. Methods for chemical analysis of water and wastes. Method Why is phosphorus important? Forms of phosphorus Phosphorus has a complicated story. The phosphorus cycle Figure 5. Concentration Absorbance 0.

Figure 5.