Phosphates

Phosphorous is usually present in natural waters as phosphate (PO-4-P). Phosphate has two different forms in our environment: organic phosphate, which is a part of living plants and animals, their by-products and their remains; and inorganic phosphate which can be bound to soil particles or present in laundry detergents.

Phosphorous is an essential element for life, an important nutrient for plants to grow and for metabolic reactions of plants and animals. The number of aquatic plants growing in a particular area is dependent on the amount of phosphorous available. In an aquatic ecosystem, inorganic phosphate is rapidly taken up by algae and larger plants, resulting in algal blooms, increased biochemical oxygen demand and significant impacts on water quality.

Phosphorous from natural resources, such as forest fires and fallout from volcanic eruptions, is insignificant when compared to human-caused enrichments of water from nutrients such as phosphorous. Phosphorous is introduced into the environment from human activities such as: human and animal wastes, fertilizers, industrial wastes and human disturbance of the land and its vegetation.

Because phosphorous acts as a plant nutrient, it also causes eutrophication. Eutrophication is the enrichment of water with nutrients, usually phosphorous and nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of algal blooms and rooted aquatic vegetation. Eutrophication promotes more plant growth and decay, which in turn increases biochemical oxygen demand. Phosphates in excess amounts can have a significant impact on water quality.

Why is the phosphate level in the water so low?

Did you find an overabundance of blue-green algae in the river or lake?

Check out your local map - can you find a sewage treatment plant nearby?

Do you have septic systems near the river or lake? Are they properly maintained?

What does a combined sewer system mean? Check it out with your local government!

Can you find any cattle feedlots, dairies or barnyards in the watershed? Is the waste from these feedlots being properly contained?

Check out the bank stabilization (vegetation) of the river or lake - do you see high amounts of soil erosion?

Is there a high level of fertilizer use on nearby agricultural fields, lawns or golf courses?

Are there any wetlands in the watershed? Have any swamps or marshes been drained recently?

What is the cause(s) of your problem? What did you find that led you to this conclusion?

Now is the time for ACTION!