Why can phosphorus compounds return to aquatic plants?

Phosphorus compounds can return to aquatic plants for a few reasons. First, phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. Without phosphorus, plants would not be able to produce energy, build cell walls, and produce proteins. Additionally, phosphorus is a key component of the photosynthesis process, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. Therefore, phosphorus compounds are necessary for aquatic plants to survive and thrive.

Second, phosphorus compounds can be recycled in aquatic systems. Aquatic plants take up phosphorus from the water column and use it for their own growth and development. Some of the phosphorus is then released back into the water column in the form of dissolved organic phosphorus or particulate phosphorus. This phosphorus is then available for other aquatic plants to take up and use.

Finally, phosphorus compounds can be introduced to aquatic systems through external sources, such as runoff from agricultural fields, wastewater discharge, or atmospheric deposition. These sources provide additional phosphorus that can be taken up by aquatic plants.

In summary, phosphorus compounds can return to aquatic plants because it is an essential nutrient, it can be recycled in aquatic systems, and it can be introduced from external sources.