Phosphorus
Common element in the environment and constituent of many minerals
It is highly reactive and therefore naturally not present in its elementary form.
Phosphorus plays an important role as fertilizer. Further applications are found in chemical industry, food industry, pyrotechnics and agriculture (pesticide).
Phosphorus is essential to all living organisms. It is component of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, the cell membrane phospholipids and the nucleotides Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) which are involved in cellular energy transfer.
Natural phosphorous compounds are nontoxic. They may, however, trigger eutrophication of water and reduce biodiversity in soil.
In contrast, man-made phosphorous compounds and modifications of elementary phosphor may be highly toxic.
Phosphorus is not accumulated by organisms.
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Specimen
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Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
Sampling area
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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Second largest river in Europe
Sampling period
1994 - 2022