Phosphorous Fertilizer and Water Pollution

Phosphorous is one of the most common ingredients found in commercial fertilizers or even in homemade fertilizers. Phosphorous is an element found naturally in nature, such as in rock formations or even in soils. There are some people who believe that there are no dangers related to the misuse of phosphorous fertilizer. As a matter of fact, if fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorous are excessively used, it can contribute to water pollution and even ecological damage in general. Harmful effects that come with phosphorus fertilizers should be determined, as to prevent it from further damaging Mother Nature or even damaging your plants since too much phosphorous can lead to phosphorous poisoning to your plants or even to your entire garden.

How Can Phosphorous Contribute to Water Pollution?

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Phosphorous Fertilizer and Water Pollution

There are many different ways on how excessive phosphorous from fertilizers reach natural water bodies. Two of the most common ways are erosion and water runoff that carries phosphorous from the soil to bodies of water. Phosphorous in water can stimulate algae growth, excessive algae growth that can make the certain body of water green and/or there will be a film left on the surface of the water.

Damaging Effects of Phosphorous in Bodies of Water

As mentioned above, phosphorous in water can stimulate excessive algae growth and can leave a film on the surface of the water. Excessive algae growth in water can affect the quality of water, deprive all living creatures from oxygen, and it can cause the water to smell bad, like sewer odors. Algae produced by phosphorous produces numerous bacteria and toxins that can cause numerous medical disorders, such as gastrointestinal problems, kidney problems, and even central nervous system problems. Humans and pets that are exposed for a long time to water containing high amounts of phosphorous are at high risks of developing serious medical conditions that can lead to fatality.

Solution to Phosphorous Problems

There are tests that can be done to determine whether your garden or your soil is deficient from phosphorous. If your soil has deficient levels of phosphorous, then using phosphorous fertilizers can be done. Only use phosphorous fertilizer when needed and only use slow-release phosphorous fertilizers. And to prevent phosphorus from leaking out from the garden and reaching bodies of water, such as lake, rivers, creeks, etc., gardens located near bodies of water should be banned from using phosphorous fertilizers.

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