Chemistry of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Water

Abstract

Of the major elements essential to algal growth, nitrogen and phosphorus are the ones most likely to be found in limited amounts in natural waters. Since they therefore represent promising weak /inks in algal life cycles, their chemical states and behavior in water are examined to see how water treatment might benefit.

Lanthanum Materials Enable Catalytic Hydrolysis of Phosphate Esters: Implications for Water Treatment and Eutrophication Control

“…Natural organophosphorus results from the decomposition of plants, animals, and microbial cellular materials and can be characterized mainly as phosphate esters (C–O–P, including nucleic acids, nucleotides, and phospholipids) and, to a less extent, phosphonates (C–P) . Natural and synthetic organophosphorous (e.g., flame retardants, pesticides, nerve agents) can account for a substantial portion of total P in both wastewaters and environmental waters, posing significant threats to the safety of the aquatic environment and human health. , Through hydrolysis by bacteria, enzyme, sunlight, and suspended natural minerals in water, , organophosphorus, in particular, phosphate esters can be converted into inorganic orthophosphate and, therefore, may also represent a significant risk for eutrophication.…”