Miracor Diagnostics Inc (fka MRDG)

[Jester_Vandalay]

Short-circuiting the Global Phosphorus Cycle

Despite widespread controlling of point source pollution, treatment of sewage, and elimination of phosphates from most soaps and detergents, eutrophication continues to worsen as a result of human activity worldwide. What to do?

The phosphorus in agricultural soils could take decades to draw down by reducing use of fertilizers. During that time, changes in farm practices, urban expansion, or climate change could accelerate erosion and-despite the lower input of phosphorus to soil-increase the rate at which phosphorus moves from the soil into aquatic ecosystems. By the time authorities see enough impairment of lakes to want to take action upstream, the fate of the lakes downstream may already have been sealed. By the same logic, however, the long time lags associated with soil phosphorus buildup also mean that action now can prevent expensive and persistent eutrophication problems in the future.

Efforts to control phosphorus runoff have increased dramatically in recent years. Still, most policies and regulations have approached such runoff as a problem of the particular lake, river reach, or estuary, rather than as part of a larger pattern. These efforts have generally involved reducing nearby fertilizer and manure use, limiting erosion, or removing algae from the water directly. In Lake Mendota, the city regularly runs a floating lawn mower-like machine that strips algae and other aquatic plants from the water.

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