Articles tagged with Phosphorus
A Rice University study reveals a connection between dinosaur-era volcanoes and the formation of shale gas and oil fields. The research suggests that nutrient-rich ash from thousands of volcanic eruptions led to the creation of these deposits.
Researchers found that individual tree species are limited by phosphorus but entire forest communities are not. Forests with low phosphorus soils actually show faster growth rates compared to those with high phosphorus levels. This discovery has significant implications for understanding forest growth and change in tropical regions.
A new study reveals alarming levels of phosphorus pollution in global freshwater basins, exceeding the Earth's ability to assimilate excess nutrients. Agricultural activity and domestic sewage are major contributors to this issue.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.
University of Leeds scientists find fungi essential for establishing breathable atmosphere by transferring phosphorus to plants. The amount of phosphorus transferred could have dramatically altered the ancient atmosphere, influencing the timing of oxygen generation.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.
Researchers developed a method to trap phosphorus in holding ponds, reducing its release into waterways. Aluminum sulfate was found to be an effective and cost-friendly solution, with a 78-93% reduction in phosphorus levels.
Phosphorus recycling was much lower in ancient oceans than today, limiting biological productivity and potentially causing a false negative in searches for life on other planets. Volcanic sulfate played a crucial role in phosphorus cycling before oxygen became abundant.
A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.
RUDN University scientists have discovered a new formation mechanism for anti-cancer substances, which can be used to synthesize organophosphorus compounds with specified properties. The researchers found that the reaction does not proceed according to the previously thought Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction mechanism, but rather another way.
A new study investigated phosphorus recycling between lake mud and water, a process contributing to harmful algal blooms. Rates of phosphorus release varied greatly from small prairie lakes to Canadian Shield lakes, highlighting the need for improved management strategies.
University of Delaware researchers have developed new methods to evaluate the risk of subsurface phosphorus losses in US croplands, particularly in flat and artificially drained areas. The study uses soil data to improve existing phosphorus index models and provides a more accurate assessment of subsurface phosphorus risks.
Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.
A new study published by a Lancaster University-led team warns that phosphorus losses will increase unless major changes are made to agricultural practices. Climate change will lead to warmer winters, resulting in more phosphorus transferred from agricultural land into rivers and oceans.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.
Research from the University of Missouri found that claypan farmers need to apply less potassium and more phosphorus than generally recommended due to the soil's unique characteristics. This can help reduce nutrient losses and improve crop growth.
Scientists have introduced a new, phosphorus-containing rubber analogue with similar properties to natural rubber. The polymerization of this compound offers prospects for further derivatization and crosslinking, enabling unique architectures and properties in commercial rubbers.
Researchers found that black phosphorus can be tuned by enclosing it in the right way, opening new possibilities for its use. The material's band gap and optical absorption changed dramatically when encapsulated.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in pig diets reduce calcium and phosphorus digestibility. However, adding microbial phytase can improve digestibility and mitigate the negative effects of zinc on mineral absorption.
Marine microorganisms rely on iron to recycle dead matter and release nutrients such as phosphorus. This process is crucial in the tropical North Atlantic, where nitrogen limitation may be replaced by phosphorus limitation, influenced by human activities.
Researchers used satellite data to estimate historical algal blooms in Lake Erie, doubling the available years of data. Decadal-scale cumulative phosphorus loading helps predict bloom size, suggesting a possible decade-long benefit from recent nutrient reductions.
A new phosphorus index aims to reduce agricultural runoff pollution by focusing on field characteristics and best management practices. The updated approach addresses limitations of previous indices, providing a more practical tool for farmers and policymakers.
A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that lawn fertilizers and pet waste are major sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in urban watersheds. The research highlights the need to reduce excessive fertilizer use and properly manage pet waste to mitigate pollution and eutrophication.
Researchers found that dust from the Gobi Desert supplies phosphorus to Sierra Nevada plants, which is essential for their growth. This discovery highlights the crucial role of dust in supporting life in geologically young mountain ecosystems.
Scientists developed a unique type of wheat that can increase the digestibility of phosphorus and other minerals, improving health for undernourished populations. The new wheat, HIGHPHY, was tested in broilers and demonstrated improved digestion coefficients for calcium and phosphorus.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new form of the compound GeSe with a ring type structure like graphene. The beta-GeSe compound has a unique 'boat' conformation that could provide valuable properties for electronic devices.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that abundant soil phosphorus in the Yahara watershed has a direct and long-lasting impact on water quality. Eliminating overabundance of phosphorus could improve lake and river quality by reducing summertime phosphorus concentrations.
Researchers found that landscape age and topography are stronger predictors of available phosphorus than rock type. As climate change impacts the McMurdo Dry Valleys, increased mineral phosphorus availability could support the growth of microscopic organisms.
Deb Jaisi, a University of Delaware researcher, uses isotope tracking methods to locate sources and fate of phytate in soil and water. His research aims to understand natural versus human contribution to phosphorus pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.
A 3.5-billion-year-old phosphorus surplus coincided with the emergence of complex life on Earth, suggesting a key role in animal evolution. The discovery was made by analyzing sedimentary rock records from ancient coastal zones.
Researchers found three key agricultural management plans to curb toxic algae blooms and discovered that Ohio residents are willing to help pay for these practices. However, the funding gap for implementing these plans is significant, with farmers already adopting only 20% of necessary practices.
Researchers have quantified how phosphate fertiliser is released from dust depending on atmospheric acid levels, allowing models to predict its impact on marine ecosystems. The study found that increased plant growth can inadvertently reduce greenhouse gases while increasing fish populations.
Researchers at Warsaw's Institute of Physical Chemistry discovered nitrogen capable of forming six chemical bonds, breaking the octet rule. The discovery suggests new possibilities for compounds and potentially interesting applications.
Researchers developed guidelines for fluidized bed reactors to tailor filter design to local conditions, preventing phosphorus deposits and algal blooms. The study's findings could lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Researchers developed a computer model to understand the metabolic capabilities of Prochlorococcus, revealing extensive alterations to its metabolism to reduce dependence on phosphorus. The study found that this adaptation provides a growth advantage for the microbe in phosphorus-limited regions of the ocean.
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly decrease the environmental impact and phosphorus footprint, with a potential reduction of 72% in phosphorus fertilizer requirements. This change has a moderate effect on reducing phosphorus excreted by the environment.
Researchers found that transplanting fertilizers with phosphorus and using non-reflective plastic mulches can significantly boost tomato yields in clay loam soils. The study's results support the use of these practices for local gardeners and commercial growers in Minnesota, particularly during short growing seasons.
Thermally conditioned sewage sludge serves as an excellent fertilizer improving soil properties and reducing phosphorus waste. The nutrient-rich sludge stimulates microbial activity, inducing competition between microorganisms and plant roots for phosphorus uptake.
Research at the University of Illinois found that soybean meal from different growing regions in the US has no significant differences in phosphorus content. Adding microbial phytase improved phosphorus digestibility across all regions.
Phosphorus pollution remains a major concern globally, with 40% of Europe's lakes failing to meet water quality standards due to high levels of phosphorus. Effective lake restoration approaches are needed to address this issue and protect biodiversity and society.
A series of studies published in Water Research assesses the ecological and chemical responses to geo-engineering in lakes. While some case studies report dramatic improvements, others show little effect or short-lived responses. The approach is promising when used correctly, but its potential side effects are not well understood.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to improve the growth of protein-rich bean crops by using zinc oxide nanoparticles, reducing the need for rock phosphorus fertilizer. The nanoparticles increase nutrient uptake and enzyme activity, leading to a lesser need for external phosphorus application.
Intensifying tropical agriculture may sequester up to 1-4 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually, forcing farmers to pay a recurring 'P-tax'. Recycling phosphorus-rich livestock manure and rethinking high-meat diets could mitigate this issue.
A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.
Research estimates massive phosphorus buildup in landscapes, affecting aquatic ecosystems for decades. The study suggests strategies to recycle phosphorus and reduce its long-term impact on food and water security.
A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet is releasing a significant amount of phosphorus into the Arctic Ocean, with annual input equal to some of the world's largest rivers. The nutrient could stimulate growth of plankton at the base of the ocean food web, impacting birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the chain.
New research reveals Greenland's ice sheet is releasing 400,000 metric tons of phosphorus annually, enriching Arctic Ocean waters and potentially stimulating growth of marine food chain. The nutrient could impact birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the food chain.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that preventing food waste is more effective than recycling it into biogas in cutting energy impacts. The research also highlights the importance of phosphorus conservation as a key benefit of reducing food waste.
Elevated serum phosphorus levels in African Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with faster progression to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study found that African Americans are more than 3 times as likely to progress to kidney failure as Caucasians.
A Norwegian study reveals that fish farming consumes a significant amount of phosphorus, with the industry generating 9,000 tonnes of emissions annually. The researchers propose reusing this waste phosphorus to create new products and reduce pollution, offering potential solutions for Norway's aquaculture industry.
Researchers at U-M Water Center will measure green infrastructure effectiveness in managing stormwater overflows and reducing phosphorus in the Detroit River. The project aims to fill knowledge gaps on the river's contribution to Lake Erie nutrient loading, enabling policy options to be developed.
Researchers created a high-performance transistor using black phosphorus, which can operate as both n-type and p-type materials without extrinsic doping. This could lead to thinner, more efficient alternative to silicon chips in electrical devices.
A new study by Houston Methodist researchers finds that artificially added phosphates in dairy and cereal products cause bigger spikes in blood phosphorus levels than natural phosphates. This can lead to increased kidney function problems and heart damage, especially for people with healthy kidneys.
Researchers have developed black arsenic phosphorus as an alternative to graphene for electronic devices. The new material exhibits an extremely small band gap and can be precisely controlled by adjusting the arsenic concentration, making it suitable for sensors and other applications.
Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal report that black phosphorus can help overcome the challenge of designing energy-efficient transistors. The material's two-dimensional properties allow electrons to move in only two dimensions, making it a promising candidate for future electronics.
Researchers have successfully prevented black phosphorus from oxidizing, allowing for the exploitation of its extraordinary properties in various devices. The study's results, published in Nature Materials, will help develop new nanotechnologies with high-performance microprocessors, lasers, and solar cells.
A new study reveals a complex marine phosphorus cycle with a hidden role for microbial communities. Microbes transform phosphorus into phosphonates at varying rates depending on depth, shedding light on the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.