What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a chemical element in the nitrogen group identified by the symbol P on the periodic table of elements. The nonmetallic element is extremely reactive and also highly toxic, although it is also an important trace mineral in most living organisms. There are numerous uses for phosphorus compounds, and most people interact with some form of the element every day. When you strike a match, fertilize the garden, or use most electronics, phosphorus is involved. The discovery of phosphorus is credited to Hennig Brandt, an alchemist who successfully isolated it from urine in the late 1660s. Brandt noted that his discovery possessed the curious property of glowing when it was exposed to air, and he named it phosphorus after the Greek phosphoros, meaning “evening star.” The atomic number of phosphorus is 15, placing it among the lighter chemical elements, and it is rarely if ever found in a pure form. Like other elements in the nitrogen group, a peculiarity of the structure of phospho
Combined sewer overflows: Overflows of raw, or partially treated, sewage combined with rainwater runoff into a water body. Combined sewer overflows, known as CSOs, occur in combined sewer systems (where rainwater runoff and household wastewater are carried by the same pipe) during heavy rain events Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae): Photosynthetic bacteria that live and grow in aquatic environments. These organisms can produce toxins which are harmful to humans and other mammals in high doses. These organisms can give the water a green paint-like appearance (as pictured on the front cover) when present in large numbers. Fish kills: sudden, massive die-off fish in a particular location in one water body Low impact development (LID): design and development techniques used to construct a human environment that mimics the natural environment. Nutrient: a substance an organism needs to live, which must be obtained from its external environment. Phosphorus and nitrogen are important nutrien
