Articles tagged with Phosphorus
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Columbia University reveals a more complex marine phosphorus cycle than previously thought, with microbes playing a key role in using and breaking down forms of the essential element. In the process, about five percent of phosphate is converted to phosphonates in shallow water samples.
Researchers developed a combination approach to recover phosphorus from wastewater using mathematical modeling. The method achieved approximately 90% removal of phosphorus, generating $150,000 in annual revenue for WWTPs with limited budgets. This sustainable approach reduces mining demand and improves surface water health.
In a study of Australian dune ecosystems, researchers identified diverse plant strategies to acquire phosphorus from soil. As soils age and phosphorus declines, these strategies increase, enabling plants to survive in impoverished conditions.
A new study reveals that nutrient pollution can reduce stream-dwelling species' food source, as moderate amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus halve the in-stream residence time of leaves and twigs. This loss of forest-derived carbon impacts stream health and aquatic life.
A new study finds that nutrient pollution reduces the availability of forest-derived carbon in stream ecosystems, cutting its energy source for aquatic life. This loss accelerates the breakdown of leaf litter, affecting the entire food web.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have discovered a new 'wonder material' in black phosphorus, which demonstrates high-speed data communication on nanoscale optical circuits. The devices show vast improvement in efficiency over comparable graphene-based devices.
A NASA satellite has quantified in three dimensions how much dust makes its trans-Atlantic journey from the Sahara to the Amazon rain forest. An estimated 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust are carried across the ocean each year, equivalent to about the same amount lost from rain and flooding.
Scientists estimate that about 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust cross the Atlantic Ocean annually, replenishing depleted Amazon soils. This vital nutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining the Amazon ecosystem.
Bacteria living in marine sponges capture phosphorus from the water and convert it into polyphosphate, a form of phosphorus usable by the reef community. This discovery sheds new light on nutrient cycling in coral reefs.
A study found that both low and high blood calcium levels, as well as high phosphorus levels, are associated with an increased risk of premature death in dialysis patients. The study suggests that lowering these levels may improve patients' health, but further research is needed.
A report by a team of researchers warns that four of nine 'planetary boundaries' have been crossed due to human activity, posing risks to the stability of Earth's systems. The boundaries include climate change, loss of biosphere integrity, and altered biogeochemical cycles like phosphorus and nitrogen runoff.
A team of researchers warns that human activity has crossed four planetary boundaries, putting food production and clean water at risk. The nitrogen-phosphorus cycle, essential for life, is particularly compromised due to limited phosphorus supplies and excessive fertilizer use.
A new multi-institution study shows that cyanobacteria can set up positive feedback loops in lakes, amplifying the effects of pollutants and climate change to create ideal conditions for blooms. This finding sheds light on what makes cyanobacteria successful and may lead to new methods of prevention and control.
Phytoplankton in the open ocean are responsible for half of global oxygen production, but how they assimilate limited nutrients was unclear. A new framework describes how microbial biodiversity affects phytoplankton's ability to take up phosphorus, a key nutrient.
Researchers found that fine particles eroded from riverbanks were the main source of phosphorus in Lake Pepin sediment before 1850. After 1850, riverbanks absorbed P from polluted river water, contributing to increasing phosphorus concentrations. Upgrading sewage treatment plants is crucial to controlling phosphorus pollution upstream.
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers finds that microcystin-producing cyanobacteria in Lake Erie are becoming more sensitive to phosphorus, suggesting current reduction targets may not be enough to curb blooms. The team also suggests invasive quagga and zebra mussels may be driving the trend.
Researchers at Rice University discover that phosphorus exhibits stable semiconducting properties in its 2-D form, even with defects. This property makes it a promising candidate for solar cells and electronics applications.
A new study reveals that phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea store more polyphosphate when phosphorus is scarce than expected. The researchers found that polyphosphate is recycled from sinking particles in low-phosphorus environments, making it available for phytoplankton use.
Calciphylaxis occurs when calcium and phosphorus bind to form a biological cement that blocks and inflames small blood vessels. Risk factors include being over age 65, Caucasian, and diabetic.
Researchers have developed a technology to recover phosphorus from wastewater using superparamagnetic particles. The particles trap phosphate anions, which can then be removed using magnets, leaving water clear of pollutants. This innovative method has the potential to protect the environment and provide a sustainable raw material source.
A comprehensive study recommends cutting nutrient pollution nearly in half to reduce the size of toxic algae blooms and oxygen-starved regions, or dead zones, in Lake Erie. The report calls for a 46% reduction in phosphorus pollution to shrink Lake Erie's Central Basin hypoxic zone.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in corn gluten meal, with 5,379 kilocalories per kilogram of dry matter. The addition of microbial phytase increased phosphorus digestibility in some ingredients.
A study published in Global Change Biology found that a growing yield gap in Africa is largely caused by the underuse of phosphorus-based fertilizers. Increasing nitrogen applications could help close this gap, but at a significant cost due to limited phosphorus reserves.
A South American tree species, Embothrium coccineum, has adapted to form cluster roots to access limited phosphorus in volcanic soils. Cluster root formation is stimulated by low soil nitrogen levels, enabling small seedlings to maintain adequate foliar P levels.
The analysis of Rhizophagus irregularis genome reveals its unique ability to capture phosphorus and communicate with plants through cell-to-cell signaling. The fungus has retained much of its metabolic machinery, unlike many other obligate parasitic organisms.
Researchers have achieved a world record by storing a fragile quantum state at room temperature for 39 minutes, overcoming a key barrier towards building ultrafast quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to long-term coherent information storage and potential applications in ultra-secure authentication devices.
A global study of 224 dryland sites in 16 countries predicts that increasing aridity will disturb the balance of nutrients in the soil, leading to a reduction in carbon and nitrogen and an increase in phosphorus. This imbalance will have severe effects on essential soil processes, particularly in areas with reduced plant cover.
The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is exacerbated by excessive nutrient runoff from US agricultural practices. Experts recommend adopting cover crops and subsurface drainage systems to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus export. Despite potential challenges, implementing these practices could mitigate the problem.
A study published in Science found that reducing phosphorus levels in lakes can lead to decreased nitrogen removal processes, resulting in nitrogen accumulation. This has significant implications for global pollution control efforts, as many large lakes are affected by successful phosphorus control measures.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have discovered that crushed concrete can bind up to 90% of phosphorus, a key contributor to algae growth. The technique uses crushed concrete as a filter to remove excess phosphorus from rainwater, reducing its impact on water quality and aquatic life.
The study determined the nutritional value of three new protein products: dried fermentation biomass, hydrolyzed porcine intestinal mucosa products, and fish meal. The results showed that these ingredients are relatively high in crude protein, with lysine content in dried fermentation biomass being particularly notable.
A team of researchers at the University of New South Wales has proposed a new way to distinguish between quantum bits placed only a few nanometres apart, resolving two key technical challenges. The method involves using individual phosphorus atoms in silicon chips, allowing for precise control and operation of qubits.
A new microbial phytase derived from Aspergillus oryzae has been found to be highly effective at releasing phosphorus from the phytate molecule. The enzyme, Ronozyme HiPhos, improves phosphorus and calcium digestibility in pigs by up to 68.7% and 84.7%, respectively.
Researchers discovered reactive phosphorus in early Archean limestone, providing evidence that meteorites delivered phosphorus necessary for early life forms. The team found that meteorite phosphorus could generate phosphorus biomolecules identical to those seen in life today.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed equations to calculate phosphorus and calcium concentrations in meat and bone meal. The study found that ash content is a reliable indicator of Ca and P concentrations, allowing producers to estimate mineral levels without harming pig growth.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found a compound called pyrophosphite, which is similar to ATP and could have acted as an earlier form of energy transfer. This discovery suggests that chemical life could be the missing link between geology and biology.
A recent study found that suboptimal kidney response to the hormone FGF-23 may increase risks for kidney disease patients, particularly those with lower urinary phosphorus levels. The study suggests that resistance to FGF-23's hormonal actions in the kidney may identify novel aspects of kidney dysfunction.
Researchers have developed a new line of transgenic 'Enviropigs' that can digest high levels of phosphorus in plant matter, eliminating the need for supplements. This breakthrough could improve food production and reduce environmental pollution by producing less phosphorus waste.
A new study published in Molecular Plant found that phosphorus deficiency contributes to the expression of citrus disease Huanglongbing symptoms. The researchers discovered microRNAs that can potentially be used as early diagnosis markers and applied phosphorus solutions to alleviated symptoms and improved fruit yield.
Research by USDA scientist Eton Codling shows that treated wastewater solids called biosolids can increase soil phosphorus levels for years. The study found that soluble phosphorus levels in biosolid-amended soils exceeded typical plant requirements after application.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that rising meat consumption and calorie intake have fueled a 38% increase in the world's per capita phosphorus footprint since the early 1960s. By reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, countries can significantly decrease demand for mined phosphorus.
A new study by Brown University finds that farm soils mediate the environmental consequences of modern farming, particularly with phosphorus, a key agricultural nutrient. The research compares soybean production in US, Brazil, and Argentina, revealing how soil type and management impact phosphorus usage and environmental pollution.
A $21,000 grant will enable Mercyhurst researcher Steven Mauro to study the role of temperature and phosphorus on bacterial survival on algae in the Great Lakes. The research aims to better understand how global warming and phosphorus loading contribute to bacterial pathogens in recreational waters.
The new method reduces phosphorus levels by over 80% and saves energy and waste, producing significant cost savings for municipal wastewater treatment plants. Simultaneous precipitation eliminates the need for additional chemical treatments.
Researchers found that pigs digest the phosphorous in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) better than conventional soybean meal due to fermentation's ability to release phytate-bound phosphorus. FSBM offers a 65.5% standardized, total-tract digestibility of phosphorus, compared to 46.1% in conventional soybean meal.
A research team created the first working quantum bit based on a single atom in silicon, representing a major advancement towards ultra-powerful quantum computers. The breakthrough enables the manipulation of data on an electron's spin to form a quantum bit, a fundamental unit of data for quantum computing.
A recent study has questioned the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed kidney disease drugs, which may cause unexpected harm to blood vessels. The study found that these drugs did not substantially reduce serum phosphorus levels and may be associated with cardiovascular problems in patients with chronic kidney disease.
A study by the University of Illinois discovered that supplementing pig feed with varying levels of phytase increases phosphorus digestibility in different ingredients. The research found that enzymes can unlock bound phosphorus, reducing environmental impact and costs for producers.
Scientists at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência have identified a new phosphate transporter in plant root cells that plays a crucial role in phosphorus uptake when Pi is scarce. The discovery provides insight into how phosphate transport systems can be manipulated to counteract stressful conditions and potentially improve crop yields.
A study aims to analyze sediment cores to identify the relative contributions of land, ocean, and buried sediments to phosphorus influx. The researchers hope to provide information useful to resource managers in controlling phosphorus overloads.
Research found that strip-till farming produces higher yields than no-till systems due to more efficient phosphorus and potassium use. The study also revealed that strip-till helps retain soil water, leading to better plant growth conditions.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a biotechnological route to remove and recycle phosphate from wastewater. The team has discovered a physiological 'shock' treatment that significantly increases microbial uptake of phosphorus and its accumulation inside cells.
Researchers found that molybdenum, not phosphorus, is the limiting nutrient for nitrogen-fixing bacteria in tropical forests. The discovery could have widespread implications for understanding how tropical forests respond to climate change and regulate the Earth's climate system.
Researchers at University of New South Wales create perfect single-atom transistor for unparalleled computational efficiency, marking significant step towards quantum computer development. The device's precise accuracy and electronic characteristics match theoretical predictions, paving the way for future technological innovations.
Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.
Researchers found that fungi can transform lead into pyromorphite, a more stable mineral form, which could be useful for cleaning up lead-polluted sites. The discovery suggests that introducing fungi may be a viable treatment option for containing lead in contaminated soils.
Scientists have developed the thinnest silicon wires yet, four atoms wide and one atom tall, which can carry electrical currents just like copper wires. This breakthrough has significant implications for future nanoscale computational devices and quantum computing.
Researchers found that strip-till improved nutrient uptake and increased yield in soybeans, but had no impact on yield when fertilizers were applied through broadcast or deep banding methods. Subsurface banding of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers may reduce surface phosphorus levels and offer environmental benefits.
Researchers found increased nitrate levels in coastal waters of Korea and Japan since the 1980s, correlated with human-generated atmospheric nitrogen. This shift may influence marine plants and ecosystems, favoring organisms adapted to high nitrate conditions.
A study by Washington State University-Vancouver and the University of California-Davis investigated the relationship between human phosphorus sources and aquatic nutrient levels. The research found that a small area contributed to most phosphorus input from human sources, with fertilizer and livestock manure being key drivers.