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Phosphorus

An Element that could have been called Lucifer

  • Book
  • © 2013

Overview

Authors:
  1. Mikhail Butusov

    1. Vienna, Austria

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  2. Arne Jernelöv

    1. Wein, Austria

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  • Examines the role of phosphorous in the evolution of life
  • Describes the main functions of phosphorous in organic life
  • The authors touch upon recycling technologies for phosphorous
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science (BRIEFSENVIRONMENTAL, volume 9)

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-ix
    Download chapter PDF

  2. The Role of Phosphorus in the Origin of Life and in Evolution

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 1-12

  3. Phosphorus in the Organic Life: Cells, Tissues, Organisms

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 13-17

  4. Phosphorus in Social Life

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 19-22

  5. Silent Underground Life

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 23-35

  6. Fertilizers: 100 Years of Supremacy

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 37-52

  7. Nonfertilizer Uses of Phosphorus

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 53-55

  8. Eutrophication

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 57-68

  9. The Politics of P

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 69-80

  10. Peak Phosphorus

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 81-88

  11. Phosphate Recycling or Welcome from Lucifer?

    • Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv
    Pages 89-101
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Keywords

About this book

​This book starts with depiction of the phosphorus role in life creation and evolution. Then it outlines in which vital processes different phosphates participate in life of all flora and fauna, from DNA molecules till body tissues. Crucial function of phosphates was noticed long ago, but only in XIX century discovery of mineral fertilizers made it possible to sustain the needs of growing global population, thus initiating a “green revolution”. Though, for many decades after it, the complexity of interactions “fertilizer-soil-plant roots” was underrated, causing massive damages, such as soil destruction and eutrophication of waters. Still, mining of exhausting natural phosphate reserves continued worldwide. Lessons of what happened in XIX century due to scarcity of phosphates were ignored. In the meantime, production of phosphates reached its peak few years ago. Immediate implementation of phosphate recycling technologies from municipal wastes can help avoid imminent global disaster.​

Authors and Affiliations

  • Vienna, Austria

    Mikhail Butusov

  • Wein, Austria

    Arne Jernelöv

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