Phosphate rocks and future superpowers

GENETIC characteristics are transferred from one generation to the other though nucleic acid in reproductive cells of male and female counterparts.

- By Professor R.S. Dharmakeerthi

As Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for the formation of nucleic acid without P we cannot transfer our characteristics to sons and daughters. In addition to the transfer of genetic information, P helps in energy metabolism, store and transfer within plants, improve root formation and growth, increase crop yield and yield quality.

Therefore, phosphorus is an essential element for the existence of life on the earth. Its functions within living organisms cannot be replaced by any other element. Moreover, as global P reserves are finite and going to be exhausted within decades, countries with P reserves could play a pivotal role in geopolitics and determining global superpowers in time to come.

Rocks supply all phosphorus required

All P required for organisms originates from phosphate rocks. Worldwide, more than 85% of the phosphate rock mined is used to manufacture phosphate fertilisers. Plants will take up phosphorus from soil or added fertilisers and provide them to higher animals. That is the only pathway for us to get P into our body. The remaining 15% is used to make elemental phosphorus and animal feed supplements, or is applied directly to soils. Elemental phosphorus is used to manufacture a wide range of chemical compounds which are being used in water treatment plants, fungicides, cosmetics, anti-corrosion agents, detergents and food preservatives.

Phosphate rocks