title: Can the availability of phosphorus be critical for mankind?
abstract: The biological cycle of phosphorus differs from that of other bulk elements in so far that the complete cycle has a long half-life. The cycle is described and man's inputs are analysed. The immediate problems are the inputs to the environment of phosphate through fertilizers and detergents, but the long-term problem is the availability of workable sources of phosphate.
mesh_terms: D003902:Detergents; D005308:Fertilizers; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D011156:Population Density; D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D005308:Fertilizers; D008903:Minerals; D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil; D014867:Water; D010758:Phosphorus