Phosphorus: An Element that could have been called Lucifer

✍ Scribed by Mikhail Butusov, Arne Jernelöv (auth.)

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York
• Year: 2013
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 108
• Series: SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science 9
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

​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.​

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages i-ix
The Role of Phosphorus in the Origin of Life and in Evolution....Pages 1-12
Phosphorus in the Organic Life: Cells, Tissues, Organisms....Pages 13-17
Phosphorus in Social Life....Pages 19-22
Silent Underground Life....Pages 23-35
Fertilizers: 100 Years of Supremacy....Pages 37-52
Nonfertilizer Uses of Phosphorus....Pages 53-55
Eutrophication....Pages 57-68
The Politics of P....Pages 69-80
Peak Phosphorus....Pages 81-88
Phosphate Recycling or Welcome from Lucifer?....Pages 89-101

✦ Subjects

Sustainable Development; Agriculture; Chemistry/Food Science, general; Environmental Economics; Mineral Resources