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Nature 406, 31-33 (6 July 2000) | doi:10.1038/35017683

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Aquatic ecology: Phosphorus, the staff of life

David M. Karl

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Studies of lakes in North America reveal that concentrations of phosphate, an essential nutrient for aquatic microorganisms, are 100-1,000 times lower than estimated with conventional techniques. Among the implications are the possible need to rethink nutrient dynamics in both freshwater and marine ecosystems..

All organisms require nutrients in trace or comparatively much larger (macro) amounts. Phosphorus is one such macronutrient, accounting for about 2–4% of the dry weight of most cells.