Helena Joyce
Phosphorus is an abundant nutrient in Florida, mostly found in sedimentary rock and the state's natural soil. While phosphorus is a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, an excess of it can become a pollutant. In Florida, toxic blue-green algal blooms have been triggered by releases of phosphorus-laden waters from Lake Okeechobee. Phosphorus pollution in Florida has been attributed to various factors, including agricultural runoff, sewage waste, soil erosion, and urban development. The state has implemented measures such as phosphate mining regulations and water treatment areas to address the issue, but attaining water quality goals remains a challenge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for increase in phosphorus pollution | Human activities such as sewage waste, amplified soil erosion, agricultural runoff, and urban watershed runoff |
| Impact | Algal blooms, foul odor along waterways, decreased dissolved oxygen, threatened insect and fish communities, and production of toxins harmful to mammals and humans |
| Sources of phosphorus | Phosphate mining, fertilizers, sewage and septic systems, fossil fuels, stormwater runoff, and natural sources like sedimentary rock and soil |
| Affected areas | Streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bays, coastal waters, and groundwater |
| Challenges | High levels of phosphorus in the soil, limited ability of sandy soils to absorb phosphorus, and legacy phosphorus storage in watersheds |
| Prevention and management | Preventive approaches, local-to-global management solutions, and integrated planning for water quality improvement |
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What You'll Learn
Phosphorus-based fertilisers used in agriculture
Phosphorus is the second most essential macronutrient for plant growth, and phosphate fertilisers are widely used in agriculture. Phosphorus-based fertilisers are crucial for plant growth and are derived primarily from non-renewable rock phosphate deposits.
Phosphorus is a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but too much of it can have a detrimental impact on the environment and public health. In Florida, toxic blue-green algal blooms have been triggered by the release of phosphorus-laden waters from Lake Okeechobee. Algal blooms produce a foul odour, decrease dissolved oxygen, threaten insect and fish communities, and can produce toxins harmful to humans and mammals.
Phosphorus-based fertilisers are commonly used in cereal growing, and their application is essential when the soil is low in phosphate to maintain viable yields. The use of phosphorus-based fertilisers has been linked to increased phosphorus in waterways, with concerns raised about the environmental impact of soluble phosphate ending up in rivers and streams.
To address this issue, several jurisdictions have formulated guidelines for the application of phosphate fertilisers. Modern tools like satellite imagery analysis and variable-rate application maps enable farmers to fine-tune their phosphorus fertiliser strategies, promoting sustainable and productive farming practices. By understanding the science behind phosphorus fertilisers and their impact on crops, growers can improve application efficiency and reduce environmental risks.
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Sewage waste and septic systems
Florida's high water table makes it particularly susceptible to septic system leaks. Faulty septic systems can leak waste rich in phosphorus into the groundwater, leading to nutrient pollution. It is recommended that homeowners with septic systems have them inspected regularly and pump their tanks as necessary. Common causes of septic system failure include aging infrastructure, inappropriate design, overloading with too much wastewater, and poor maintenance.
To prevent phosphorus pollution from septic systems, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from drinking water sources and avoid areas with high water tables and shallow impermeable layers. Only grass should be planted in the drain field to avoid damaging the system's tank or pipes. Additionally, homeowners should avoid using septic system additives, as they can be detrimental to the system or contaminate groundwater.
Upgrading wastewater treatment systems can be expensive, but optimization and technology upgrades can help achieve nutrient reduction goals. Some treatment plants adjust their operations and repurpose existing equipment to remove additional nutrients, which can result in cost savings.
Phosphorus pollution has severe environmental and public health impacts. Excess phosphorus in waterways can lead to toxic blue-green algal blooms, which produce a foul odor, decrease dissolved oxygen, and threaten insect and fish communities. These blooms can even produce toxins harmful to mammals and humans.
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Soil erosion and surface runoff
Phosphorus is an abundant nutrient in Florida, mostly found in sedimentary rock and the state's natural soil. However, when released in excess, phosphorus becomes a pollutant. Soil erosion and surface runoff are significant contributors to phosphorus pollution in Florida's waterways. Exposed soil, devoid of vegetation, is susceptible to erosion, allowing sediments rich in phosphorus to drain into nearby water bodies. This erosion can be exacerbated by human activities such as agriculture and urban development, which introduce more phosphorus into the land.
Agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers, can lead to phosphorus-laden waters. Excessive fertilizer application contributes to pollution through stormwater runoff and leaching. In Florida, this has triggered toxic blue-green algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee, causing foul odors, decreased oxygen levels, and threats to aquatic life. These blooms can even produce toxins harmful to mammals and humans.
Urbanization also plays a role in phosphorus pollution through increased surface runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops, sidewalks, and roads. During rainfall, stormwater runoff carries pollutants, including phosphorus, into local waterways. Urban watersheds, with their high population densities and associated wastewater systems, contribute to increased phosphorus levels in water bodies.
To mitigate the impacts of soil erosion and surface runoff, implementing erosion control measures is essential. This includes constructing berms and buffer strips of vegetation to retain stormwater and prevent phosphorus-rich sediments from entering canals and waterways. Maintaining healthy wetland areas around ponds or lakes can also reduce erosion and provide natural filtration, improving water quality.
Additionally, better management practices are crucial in reducing phosphorus pollution. This includes proper waste disposal, minimizing the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers, and adopting effective stormwater management strategies. By addressing soil erosion and surface runoff through a combination of erosion control, wetland preservation, and improved management practices, Florida can effectively reduce phosphorus pollution in its waterways, protecting both the environment and public health.
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Stormwater treatment areas (STAs) are insufficient
Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are constructed wetlands that remove and store nutrients through plant growth and the accumulation of dead plant material that is slowly converted to a layer of peat soil. While STAs have been effective in reducing phosphorus pollution in Florida, they may be insufficient in addressing the scale of the problem.
Florida has long struggled with nutrient pollution, particularly from nitrogen and phosphorus, which are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems. However, human activities have led to excessive amounts of these nutrients entering the environment, causing water pollution. This pollution has impacted Florida's streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, resulting in environmental, economic, and public health issues.
STAs are one of the efforts by the South Florida Water Management District to remove excess nutrients and other pollutants from agricultural and urban stormwater runoff before they enter natural systems like the Everglades. As of April 2018, STAs had removed more than 6,165 metric tons of total phosphorus from water entering the Everglades Protection Area. Additionally, two STAs north of Lake Okeechobee are in the planning stages and will add to the current phosphorus reduction.
However, STAs may be insufficient in addressing Florida's phosphorus pollution problem due to several factors. Firstly, while STAs have reduced phosphorus concentrations in Everglades-bound waters, the problem persists in other parts of the state. Florida's nutrient pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including agricultural practices, sewage waste, soil erosion, and urban development. STAs alone cannot address all these sources of pollution.
Secondly, the effectiveness of STAs can be limited by design flaws, changing precipitation patterns, and increased pollutant loading. Traditional stormwater management techniques may not be enough to meet the treatment needs of stormwater runoff, especially with the thriving real estate industry driving new developments. Outdated stormwater standards and technologies can put waterbodies and estuaries at risk, and the current strategy for stormwater treatment in new developments undermines efforts to protect and restore water quality.
To address these insufficiencies, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes re-initiating and adopting updated and effective statewide stormwater treatment rules, utilizing innovative technologies, and implementing protective standards for new developments that surpass the current state standards. Local municipalities can play a crucial role by employing local stormwater ordinances or utilities to address stormwater runoff more effectively.
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Phosphate mining
Phosphate is a naturally occurring mineral that contains phosphorus, as well as other elements. It is primarily used in the production of fertilizers for food production and accounts for about 80% of the phosphate used in the United States and 25% globally. Phosphate mining in Florida began in 1883 near Hawthorne in Alachua County, with the mining of "hard-rock" phosphate. Pebble phosphate mining began in 1888 in central Florida and in the 1960s in Hamilton County.
The process of phosphate mining can have significant environmental impacts. In Florida, phosphate mining disturbs between 3,000 to 6,000 acres of land annually, with a portion of these lands being wetlands or other surface waters. To mitigate the environmental impacts of phosphate mining, reclamation of mined land is now required in Florida. The Florida Legislature mandates that all lands mined for phosphate after July 1, 1975, be reclaimed. Reclamation standards for phosphate lands include contouring to safe slopes, revegetation, and the restoration of wetlands to their pre-mining state.
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Frequently asked questions
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient, abundant in Florida's sedimentary rock and soil. However, when released in excess, it becomes a pollutant.
Phosphorus pollution in Florida is primarily due to agricultural runoff and sewage waste. Phosphate mining, which began in Florida in 1883, has also contributed to the issue. There are currently 11 active phosphate mines in the state.
Excess phosphorus in the water leads to the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which can result in harmful algal blooms. These blooms produce a foul odour, decrease dissolved oxygen, and can produce toxins harmful to humans and wildlife.
Florida's economy relies heavily on agriculture, natural resources, and related food industries, which contributed $130.37 billion in 2011. Phosphorus pollution compromises water quality, impacting these economically significant industries.
To reduce phosphorus pollution, it is essential to implement better wastewater treatment practices and address agricultural runoff. Preventative measures are more effective than post-occurrence management. It is also crucial to reduce the use of fertilizers and properly dispose of waste to minimize the amount of phosphorus entering water bodies.
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