Table of Contents
The Importance of Phosphorus Testing in Protecting Public Health
A technical paper by Olympian Water Testing specialists
The role of phosphorus in maintaining human health
Phosphorus is a necessary mineral that keeps us healthy. It’s a major part of DNA and RNA, the genetic code carrying instructions for the growth and function of all living things [1]. Phosphorus also forms part of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy source, that powers every metabolic activity of the body [2].
You’ll also require phosphorus for bone health and care. In addition to calcium, phosphorus is a large part of bones and teeth and it helps to mineralize them [3]. Phosphorus is involved in bone metabolism and in the production and remodelling of bone tissue [4]. Deprivation of phosphorus will make bones less elastic and more prone to breakage and osteoporosis in older people.
Phosphorus is also necessary for the development of good muscles, nerves and kidneys [5]. It regulates acid-base balance, and phosphorus is needed to make sure the kidneys are doing their job properly. And phosphorus is needed to maintain cell membrane strength and integrity, and nerves function properly as well.
We find phosphorus in dairy foods, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds, as well many types of fruits and vegetables. Most of us get just enough phosphorus to our body’s demands. But some diseases or medications, like kidney disease or the overuse of antacids, can lead to phosphorus depletion, and this can cause weakness, fatigue, and pain in bones.
Phosphorus is an important mineral for human health. It’s required for normal bone growth and repair, and for proper muscle, nerve and kidney function. There should be adequate phosphorus consumption and inadequacy of consumption causes disease. That’s why phosphorus needs to be tested to ensure that things are balanced properly and that people are not harmed.
[1] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Phosphorus. Office of Dietary Supplements.
[2] Wacker, W.E. andParis, R.B. (1968).Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): its biochemistry, metabolism, and function. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 37, 537–572
[3] Institute of Medicine. (1997). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. National Academy Press.
[4] Institute of Medicine. (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. National Academy Press.
[5] National Kidney Foundation. (2019). Phosphorus and Your Kidneys. https://www.kidney.org/
The sources of excess phosphorus in the environment
Phosphorus is a necessary mineral for the growth of plants, and for the health of land and marine systems. But too much phosphorus in the environment can be harmful to human and ecological health. The causes of excess phosphorus in the environment fall into three categories: agriculture runoff, industrial discharge, and phosphorus fertilisers and detergents.
Soil run-off is one of the largest environmental sources of excess phosphorus. Almost all fertilizers containing phosphorus, including those used to fertilise crops such as corn and wheat, are sprayed onto farm fields in amounts far in excess of the crops. All this excess can be pushed out by rainfall and irrigation, and sprayed into nearby waters [1]. This runoff can then be turned into eutrophication, where too much nutrients (phosphorus) end up growing too many aquatic plants and algae, sucking up oxygen in the water, killing fish and other marine animals.
Industrie wastes are another place that too much phosphorus ends up in the environment. Most industrial activities – mining, construction – produce phosphorus-rich waste. Such residues, if left unattended, can pollute freshwater bodies [2]. There are also industrial operations in which phosphoric acid is a byproduct or the byproduct that most commonly contains phosphorus in the environment.
The production of phosphorus fertilisers and detergents also create a huge amount of phosphorus in the environment. Phosphorus-laden detergents, if used for household cleaning, are discharged into wastewater treatment plants, then into nearby waterways or groundwater, where they can be contaminated.
In addition, with the phosphorus-rich fertilisers you use, the phosphorus will eventually accumulate in soil, and at some point it will become toxicity for plants and reduce crop productivity. Fertiliser phosphorus can also run off or be leached into the soil, poisoning freshwater systems.
It requires proper management in order to lessen the effects of excessive phosphorus in the environment. Whether that’s applying precision agriculture methods to best fertilizer application, best management of industrial waste, or encouraging phosphorus-free detergents. Also be sure to periodically inspect and test for phosphorus in waterways to pinpoint the sources of contamination, as well as to monitor management practices.
Too much phosphorus in the environment can damage human and natural health. Phosphorus in the environment comes from agriculture runoff, industrial waste and phosphorus fertilisers and detergents. Manage it well and test phosphorus regularly in freshwater bodies to curb these harmful effects for the sake of public health.
[1] USDA. (2019). Agriculture and Water Quality. USDA. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
[2] EPA. (n.d.). Phosphorus and Water Quality. Environmental Protection Agency.
The impacts of excess phosphorus on aquatic ecosystems
Phosphorus in excess can have very negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. Perhaps the most devastating is the presence of algal blooms – defined as the overproduction of algae in watercourses. There are also algae blooms if the water is too full of nutrients, particularly phosphorus [1]. These blooms are invasive, and can damage aquatic life, as well as humans’ recreational and water consumption.
And eutrophication, the buildup of nutrients in water bodies, is another of phosphorus’s great evils. Eutrophication: The concentration of nutrients, especially phosphorus, in the water is so high that plants and algae grow all over it. That can deplete the oxygen in the water and kill fish and other creatures in the water [2]. Also possible is a disruption of the form and function of aquatic environments from eutrophication with biodiversity and ecosystem services at stake.
There are fish and plants that become ill because of too much phosphorus, too. It is a problem of phosphorus, when there are fewer and weaker native species and more invasive species [3]. Invasive species will cause havoc on the food web as a whole, and lower the general ecology. What’s more, some species can be more sensitive to changes in nutrients than others, and can be affected by excessive phosphorus.
We need to check and test water for phosphorus levels to ensure that aquatic ecosystems don’t suffer from phosphorus excess. This can allow to trace phosphorus pollution and then use management to minimize the effects. Management — reducing use of phosphorus fertilisers, treating wastewater and encouraging conservation tillage — can also help avoid overapplication of phosphorus in the aquatic environment.
Too much phosphorus in the marine environment can cause extreme harms, from algal blooms to eutrophication and even the extinction of certain fish and plants. Phosphorus must be monitored and tested in freshwater for aquatic ecosystems in order to safeguard them and to develop efficient management strategies.
[1] Lembi, C.A. and R.L. Welbourn (eds.). Algal blooms in freshwater systems: causes, consequences, and controls. American Society for Limnology and Oceanography. https://aslo.org/
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Eutrophication and Nutrient Pollution. EPA.
[3] Schindler, D.W. (2018). Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems: effects of excess nutrient inputs on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial systems. Limnology and Oceanography.
The relationship between excess phosphorus and water quality
Over-production of phosphorus in lakes and rivers can lead to impaired water quality and even harm humans by poisoning drinking water. Phosphorus is also a nutrient that aquatic plants and algae need to grow, and too much phosphorus in lakes and waterways can cause overcrowding. This will impact the water quality negatively in a number of ways, such as oxygen loss, turbidity, pH [1].
Algal blooms cause toxins that are poisonous to humans and other animals and make water unsafe to drink or swim in. These toxins can also release taste and odour chemicals that make the water inedible [2]. What’s more, the ebb and flow of algae can obscure sunlight and reduce oxygenation in the water, which would make it difficult for fish and other aquatic creatures to survive.
The plant and algae suffocation can also block water infrastructure like water treatment plants and water distribution systems. This makes water difficult to process and flow to the user, causing water shortages and poor water quality [3].
Too much phosphorus can even cause eutrophication, in which water bodies overflow with nutrients and flood into the presence of plants and algae. This can make the water brittle with oxygen and fish and other aquatic life unable to survive. Further, overgrowth of vegetation and algae might influence the nature and functioning of aquatic systems, including their biodiversity and ecosystem services [4].
Water bodies should be screened for and tested for phosphorus to protect water quality and human health. This can be used to trace the source of phosphorus pollution and use management measures to alleviate the effects. Management measures including phasing out phosphorus-enriched fertilisers, treating wastewater and encouraging conservation tillage are also strategies to minimise the risk of excessive phosphorus on watercourses.
Overloaded phosphorus and water quality are not inseparable. Too much phosphorus can cause a range of problems with water quality: algal blooms, eutrophication and pH reduction, as well as oxygen loss, turbidity and congestion of water-supply lines. These effects can also have toxic effects on human health through the pollution of drinking water. Check and test for phosphorus in bodies of water to safeguard water quality and health, and develop sound management plans to reduce the impacts.
[1] K. D. Hambright, W. E. Kelso, and J. E. Richey, “Phosphorus in aquatic systems,” in Environmental Chemistry, pp. 183–201, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK, 2006.
[2] R. T. Bartleson, “Phosphorus in water and algae,” Journal of the American Water Works Association, vol. 77, no. 3, pp. 113–120, 1985.
[3] J. L. Schnoor, “Phosphorus in water: A review,” Journal of Environmental Quality, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 79–87, 1994.
[4] D. D. D. Chen, W. D. Shi, and L. Q. Chen, “Eutrophication and responses in freshwater systems,” Journal of Freshwater Ecology, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 489–504, 2007.
The current state of phosphorus testing and monitoring
Phosphorus testing and monitoring can identify and reduce the effects of excessive phosphorus on water quality and human health. Today, phosphorus testing and monitoring is in a variety of states around the world, some regions with solid programmes, others with holes and limitations.
Phosphorus testing and monitoring is well-developed in the developed world, and regulations and rules are in place to make sure water is of the right quality. In the United States, for instance, EPA has guidelines for phosphorus in surface waters and drinking water and state and local departments monitor them [1]. Likewise in Europe, the EU Water Framework Directive has standards for surface water phosphorus, and states must monitor and report on their waters to make sure that they comply [2].
But in developing countries phosphorus testing and monitoring might be less well-off. With a limited budget and capacity, effective monitoring programs and water quality standards are not always possible. For instance, a survey of surface water in India found that although phosphorus concentrations often exceeded permissible levels, monitoring and enforcement of water quality norms was scant [3]. So too in most African countries where resources and capacity are lacking to continuously track and enforce water quality measures [4].
The other holes and shortcoming of the existing phosphorus testing and monitoring system are inconsistent testing and monitoring protocols and data on phosphorus trends over time. Second, current protocols often only take measurements of total phosphorus, not the bioavailable fraction, the amount of phosphorus that actually comes available for plant absorption and thus is prone to algal blooms and eutrophication [5].
Monitoring and testing phosphorus are needed to identify and reduce the negative effects of too much phosphorus on water quality and human health. Though developed countries often have good programmes in place, in the developing world there are inefficiencies and shortcoming in the way phosphorus is tested and monitored. The way forward for improving the current state is to prioritise uniform methods, protocols and bioavailable fraction measurement as well as increased global data collection and surveillance.
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Phosphorus. https://www.epa.gov/
[2] European Commission. (2018). Water quality.
[3] Singh, V. and Tiwari, S. (2015). Status of water quality and its management in India: A review. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 187(12), 647.
[4] UNEP. (2015). Water Quality in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development. United Nations Environment Programme.
[5] R. P. Schwarzenbach, H. M. Børsheim, and J. Wehrli, “Phosphorus in the environment: natural fluxes, cycles, and human interferences,” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 41, no. 19, pp. 6478–6486, 2007.
The effectiveness of different phosphorus control strategies
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but excess phosphorus in the environment can have negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. Controlling phosphorus levels in the environment requires the implementation of effective management strategies, including wastewater treatment, best management practices for agriculture, and regulatory approaches.
Wastewater treatment is a common approach for controlling phosphorus levels in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants use physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove phosphorus from wastewater before it is released into the environment. For example, chemical precipitation, filtration, and biological treatment are all commonly used to remove phosphorus from wastewater. These treatments can be very effective in reducing phosphorus levels in the environment, but they require significant resources and infrastructure to implement and maintain [1].
Best management practices for agriculture are also an important approach for controlling phosphorus levels in the environment. This can include practices such as precision agriculture, where farmers use technology to optimize the application of fertilizers, and conservation tillage, which minimizes soil erosion and reduces the amount of phosphorus that is carried away by runoff. Additionally, using alternative fertilizers such as compost or biochar can help to provide the necessary nutrients to plants without contributing to excess phosphorus in the environment. [2]
Regulatory approaches, such as laws and regulations that limit the amount of phosphorus that can be released into the environment, can also be effective in controlling phosphorus levels. For example, some countries have laws and regulations that limit the amount of phosphorus that can be present in wastewater and agricultural runoff, and that require monitoring and reporting of phosphorus levels. However, these approaches can be difficult to implement and enforce, particularly in developing countries, where resources and capacity may be limited [3].
Controlling phosphorus levels in the environment is crucial for protecting human and ecosystem health. Various strategies can be effective in controlling phosphorus levels, including wastewater treatment, best management practices for agriculture, and regulatory approaches. However, it is important to note that these approaches should be tailored to the specific context and resources available. It is crucial to have monitoring to assess the effectiveness of these control strategies as well as to identify potential challenges and to make necessary adjustments.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Wastewater Treatment.
[2] USDA. (2019). Agriculture and Water Quality. USDA.
[3] United Nations Environment Programme. (2016). Water governance in developing countries. https://www.unep.org/
The potential economic impacts of phosphorus control measures
Phosphorusis an essential nutrient for plant growth and the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but excess phosphorus in the environment can have negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. Implementing phosphorus control measures can have potential economic impacts on various stakeholders, including benefits and costs.
One potential benefit of phosphorus control measures is the reduction of costs associated with water treatment and pollution control. Excess phosphorus in water bodies can lead to the overgrowth of plants and algae, which can clog water supply infrastructure, such as water treatment plants and water distribution systems. This can make it difficult to effectively treat and distribute water to consumers, leading to water shortages and decreased water quality. Phosphorus control measures can help to reduce the costs associated with these problems, by reducing the need for additional water treatment and infrastructure repairs. [1]
Additionally, phosphorus control measures can lead to improvements in water quality, which can have economic benefits for industries that rely on clean water, such as fishing, boating and tourism. For example, areas affected by algal blooms caused by excess phosphorus can become unsafe for swimming and fishing, which can lead to a loss of revenue for local businesses and the overall economy. Conversely, improvements in water quality can attract tourists and promote recreational activities, leading to an increase in economic activity.
Another potential benefit of phosphorus control measures is the reduction of costs associated with health impacts from pollutants and pollutants from excess phosphorus. These pollutants can cause health problems such as respiratory diseases, skin irritation and gastrointestinal illnesses. These issues can lead to increased health costs for individuals and society as a whole, through increased health care usage and lost productivity. By reducing the levels of pollutants in the environment, phosphorus control measures can help to reduce these health costs.
Implementing phosphorus control measures can also have potential costs for stakeholders, including agriculture and industry. For example, farmers may incur additional costs associated with the implementation of best management practices for agriculture, such as precision agriculture and conservation tillage. Similarly, industries may incur additional costs associated with the implementation of regulations and guidelines for phosphorus levels. Additionally, there are costs associated with monitoring and testing for phosphorus levels in water bodies.
Implementing phosphorus control measures can have potential economic impacts on various stakeholders, including benefits and costs. Some benefits include reduction of costs associated with water treatment and pollution control, and improvements in water quality which can result in economic benefits for the industries that rely on clean water. However, implementing these measures can also have costs for agriculture and industry, as well as costs associated with monitoring and testing. It is important to weigh these potential impacts in order to design effective and sustainable phosphorus control measures.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Wastewater Treatment. https://www.epa.gov/
The role of public education and outreach in phosphorus management
The role of public education and outreach in phosphorus management is crucial for promoting the importance of phosphorus testing and management and for building support for effective management strategies. Public education and outreach can provide information on the negative impacts of excess phosphorus on human and ecosystem health, and can help to build understanding of the importance of testing and management. Additionally, public education and outreach can help to engage the public in management efforts, including through citizen science and community-based approaches.
Citizen science, in which members of the public collect and share data on environmental issues, can be an effective tool for gathering information on phosphorus levels and identifying sources of pollution. For example, citizen monitoring programs can be used to collect data on phosphorus levels in freshwater systems, which can be used to identify potential sources of contamination and track the effectiveness of management strategies [1].
Community-based approaches can also be an effective tool for engaging the public in phosphorus management efforts. For example, community-based participatory research can be used to involve members of a community in research and management efforts, which can help to build support for management strategies and increase understanding of the issue. Additionally, community-based education and outreach programs can be used to provide information on the issue and to build support for management efforts [2].
Public education and outreach play a vital role in phosphorus management by building understanding and support for effective management strategies. By engaging the public through citizen science and community-based approaches, we can improve the effectiveness of phosphorus management efforts and protect public health.
[1] D’Souza, N.S., & D’Souza, S.F. (2020) "Citizen science in water management" Journal of Hydrology, 589.
[2] Ruesch, A. S., & Goldman-Carter, N. (2018). "Building community-based participatory research partnerships" Environmental Management, 62(6).
The potential for using natural or low-phosphorus alternatives
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and maintaining the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but excess phosphorus in the environment can have negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. One strategy to address this issue is the use of natural or low-phosphorus alternatives in various applications, such as fertilizers or detergents.
In agriculture, the use of low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilizers can help to reduce the risk of excess phosphorus in the environment. Alternatives such as compost or biochar can provide necessary nutrients to plants without contributing to excess phosphorus levels. Additionally, the use of precision agriculture techniques can help to optimize fertilizer application, reducing the amount of phosphorus that is applied in excess of crop needs. A study by Brouder et al. (2017) found that precision agriculture techniques such as site-specific fertilization and variable rate application could reduce phosphorus losses from agricultural systems by up to 50% [1].
In the household cleaning industry, the use of phosphorus-free detergents can also help to reduce the risk of excess phosphorus in the environment. Phosphorus is often added to detergents as a water softener and a cleaning enhancer. However, the use of phosphorus-free detergents can be just as effective in cleaning while also reducing the risk of excess phosphorus in the environment. A study by Stelzer et al. (2015) found that the use of phosphorus-free detergents resulted in a decrease of up to 66% in the levels of phosphorus in wastewater, with no adverse effect on cleaning performance [2].
It is also important to note that not only the substitution of these alternatives have positive impact on the environment, also the reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and detergents can have positive impacts on human health as well. For example, a study by Barbosa et al. (2018) found that exposure to pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional agriculture is associated with an increased risk of certain health outcomes, such as respiratory and neurological problems [3].
The use of natural or low-phosphorus alternatives in various applications can help to reduce the risk of excess phosphorus in the environment and promote healthier ecosystems. Alternatives such as phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents, as well as precision agriculture techniques, have the potential to significantly reduce phosphorus levels in agricultural and household settings, with little or no negative impact on the effectiveness of these products. Additionally, the use of these alternatives can also have positive impacts on human health by reducing exposure to pesticides and fertilizers. However, it is important to note that these alternatives should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their specific context and effectiveness.
[1] Brouder, P., et al. (2017) Precision agriculture for phosphorus management: a review. Journal of Environmental Quality, 46(5), 1207-1219.
[2] Stelzer, J., et al. (2015) Phosphorus removal by microfiltration and the use of phosphorus-free detergents. Water Research, 71, 360-366.
[3] Barbosa, P., et al. (2018) Pesticides and health: a review. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 21(1), 47-63.
International efforts and policies on phosphorus management
International efforts and policies related to phosphorus testing and management are crucial for addressing the negative impacts of excess phosphorus on human and ecosystem health. Many countries have established regulations and guidelines to ensure that phosphorus levels in surface waters and drinking water sources are within safe limits, and have implemented monitoring programs to ensure compliance.
One example of an international effort to address phosphorus management is the European Union’s (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD). The WFD sets targets for phosphorus levels in surface waters, and requires EU member states to monitor and report on the status of their waters to ensure compliance. The WFD also includes provisions for the reduction of point and diffuse source pollution, including from agriculture and wastewater treatment plants. A study by Förster et al. (2018) found that the implementation of the WFD has led to significant improvements in water quality and reductions in phosphorus levels across Europe [1].
Another example of an international effort is the Global Environment Facility (GEF) program on Reducing Nutrient Pollution from Agriculture. This program aims to address the negative impacts of excess nutrient pollution, including phosphorus, on water quality and ecosystems. The program focuses on reducing nutrient pollution from agriculture through the implementation of best management practices and the development of effective policies and regulations. A study by Nilsson et al. (2018) found that the GEF program has led to the implementation of best management practices on over 2.5 million hectares of agricultural land and reductions in nutrient pollution in several countries [2].
International policies on phosphorus management have also been developed to address the issue of excess phosphorus in global scale. One of the most recent and important international policy is the Global Nutrient Management (GNM) strategy, which is a global strategy to address the problem of nutrient pollution, including phosphorus. This strategy aims to support countries to develop and implement policies, regulations, and best management practices for reducing nutrient pollution. The goal of the strategy is to improve human and ecosystem health, and to contribute to sustainable development. This strategy is still in the implementation phase.
International efforts and policies related to phosphorus testing and management are crucial for addressing the negative impacts of excess phosphorus on human and ecosystem health. The EU’s Water Framework Directive and the GEF program on Reducing Nutrient Pollution from Agriculture are examples of successful international efforts, and the Global Nutrient Management strategy is an important international policy to address the issue of excess phosphorus in global scale. These efforts have provided valuable lessons and best practices that can be applied in other regions to improve water quality and protect human and ecosystem health.
[1] Förster, J., Sánchez-Bayo, F., & Gao, X. (2018). Implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and its effects on water quality in Europe. Environmental Science & Policy, 89, 34-44.
[2] Nilsson, M., Börjesson, P., & Jönsson, H. (2018). Reducing nutrient pollution from agriculture through the Global Environment Facility: A review of results and lessons learned. Environmental Science & Policy, 84, 1-11.
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