[ Main ]	Educator's Guide	Outreach Initiatives	[ Site Map ]
Geology | Lehigh River Watershed Explorations | Weather | Environmental Issues | Data Collection Activities

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient and is found naturally in the environment. However, excess amount of phosphorus can be harmful to an aquatic ecosystem. When phosphorus enters a waterway as a result of phosphate containing detergents, it can cause excessive plant growth that may decrease the penetration of sunlight in the water column and deplete dissolved oxygen concentrations, a process called eutrophication.

Phosphate containing detergents have been banned for everyday use because of the harmful effects on water quality. However, phosphates can also pollute lakes and streams as a result of fertilizer use. With proper application, fertilizers will bind to soil particles and be taken up by plants. However, if fertilizer is over applied, spread on impervious surfaces such as pavement, or if fertilizer treated soil is eroded, phosphates from the fertilizers can cause the same negative effects as phosphate containing detergents.

 

---

Environmental Issue Scenarios