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phosphorus

A beach in the Florida Keys
Posted inNews

Shallow Injection Imperfectly Filters Florida Wastewater

by Caroline Hasler 26 September 202526 September 2025

Injection of wastewater into shallow wells is meant to filter nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus out of the wastewater. But a new study suggests that nutrients aren’t entirely eliminated—and may be polluting coastal waters.

Photo of a river
Posted inEditors' Highlights

Carbon-Nutrient Ratios Drive Nitrate Removal in Mediterranean Streams

by Kyle Boodoo and Suzanne Tank 19 March 202519 March 2025

The type of organic matter, and ratio of nutrients to carbon, impact the ability of heterotrophic bacteria to effectively remove certain forms of nitrogen pollution (nitrate) from streams.

A person crouches with an outstretched arm atop a dried lake bed coated with white salt.
Posted inNews

Last Chance Lake Harbors the Highest Known Levels of Phosphate

Katherine Kornei, Science Writer by Katherine Kornei 29 February 202429 February 2024

Bodies of water such as this might have functioned as cradles of life, given their unique biogeochemistry.

A creek flows in a forest.
Posted inResearch Spotlights

Current Agriculture Adds More Phosphorus to Streams Than to Lakes

Rachel Fritts, Science Writer by Rachel Fritts 17 August 202317 August 2023

Improved agricultural nutrient management could improve stream water quality by reducing phosphorus levels, but rising temperatures and rainfall due to climate change might offset improvements.

Sunlight shines through plumes of ice crystals and dust grains jetting from a gray sphere.
Posted inNews

Essential Ingredient for Life Found on Enceladus

by Matthew R. Francis 27 July 202327 July 2023

Icy plumes from Saturn’s moon Enceladus contain phosphorus, part of the biochemistry of life—the first time the element has been found in a liquid environment beyond Earth.

Maps of the Great Lakes region using different colors to show nutrient concentrations.
Posted inEditors' Highlights

Analyzing Sources of Pollution in the Great Lakes

by Luis Lassaletta 11 April 20237 June 2023

Understanding how agriculture and land use affect nutrient flows and concentrations in the vast area of the Great Lakes is an essential step to developing sustainable management strategies.

A white water tower against a blue sky with trees in the foreground.
Posted inResearch Spotlights

U.S. Public Water Supply Is a Local Source of Phosphorus Pollution

Rachel Fritts, Science Writer by Rachel Fritts 16 March 202322 June 2023

Excess phosphorus may reach U.S. rivers, lakes, and groundwater through water main leaks and outdoor water use.

Posted inResearch Spotlights

If There Is Phosphine on Venus, There Isn’t Much

by Morgan Rehnberg 1 December 20221 December 2022

New observations of the Venusian atmosphere collected from an airborne observatory showed no sign of the potential biosignature gas, casting additional doubt on a previous report of its detection.

A conceptual model showing how phosphorous from individual household waste is transported to surface waters.
Posted inEditors' Highlights

Water Quality Policy Must Consider Stored Watershed Phosphorous

by D. Scott Mackay 6 December 20213 December 2021

Phosphorous stored in watersheds and affects water quality for decades. A new model predicts phosphorus accumulation and depletion, and the consequences for water quality conservation measures.

Sunlight reflecting off tiny, interplanetary “cosmic dust” particles
Posted inResearch Spotlights

Cosmic Dust May Be Key Source of Phosphorus for Life on Earth

Sarah Stanley, Science Writer by Sarah Stanley 17 November 202117 November 2021

When tiny particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, a newly described series of chemical reactions may lead to production of phosphorus-containing molecules that are essential for biological processes.

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