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Phosphorite
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==Phosphorus cycle, formation and accumulation== {{Main|Phosphorus cycle}} The heaviest accumulation of phosphorus is mainly on the [[Seabed|ocean floor]]. Phosphorus accumulation occurs from atmospheric [[precipitation]], dust, glacial runoff, cosmic activity, underground hydrothermal volcanic activity, and deposition of organic material. The primary inflow of dissolved phosphorus is from continental weathering, brought out by rivers to the ocean.<ref name="Delaney">{{cite journal|doi=10.1029/98GB02263 |author=Delaney, M.L.|author-link=Margaret Delaney|year=1998|title= Phosphorus Accumulation in Marine Sediments and Oceanic Phosphorus Cycle|journal= Global Biogeochemical Cycles|volume= 12|pages= 563–572|issue=4|bibcode=1998GBioC..12..563D|doi-access=free}}</ref> It is then processed by both micro- and macro-organisms. Diatomaceous plankton, phytoplankton, and zooplankton process and dissolve phosphorus in the water. The bones and teeth of certain fish (e.g. anchovies) absorb phosphorus and are later deposited and buried in the [[marine sediment]].<ref name="Baturin">Baturin, G.N, Phosphorites on the Sea Floor: Origin, Composition and Distribution. Elsevier. 1981, New York, pp. 24–50 {{ISBN|044441990X}}.</ref> Depending on the pH and salinity levels of the ocean water, organic matter will decay, releasing phosphorus from sediment in shallow basins. Bacteria and enzymes dissolve organic matter on the water–bottom interface, thus returning phosphorus to the beginning of its biogenic cycle. Mineralization of organic matter can also cause the release of phosphorus back into the ocean water.<ref name="Baturin"/>
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