Phosphorus+2

= __Phosphorus__ =

//Abbreviation: P//
The most common of Phosphorus forms, white, most commonly occurs as room temperature. White Phosphorus is very dangerous, when combined with oxygen it catches fire automatically. To prevent this from happening it is stored underwater in chemical labs whenever a place nearby is in need of the element.
 * Chemical Characteristics:**
 * Atomic number:** 15
 * Atomic mass:** 30.973762
 * Density:** 1.82 g/ml at 20°C
 * Melting point:** 44.2 °C
 * Boiling point:** 280 °C

There are three forms of Phosphorus, these forms are white, red, and black phosphorus. White phosphorus glows in the dark, is very flammable when combined with air, and is a deadly poison. Red phosphorus is called red but can be anywhere from orange to purple. The last form, black, is created when it is hit with high pressure, and it looks like the graphite you would find in a pencil.
 * Physical Characteristics:**

Phosphorus is never actually found by itself in the natural world, it is in fact only found as a phosphate, a phosphate consists of a phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms. If there are organic molecules attached to the oxygen atoms they are then commonly found in minerals.
 * Where is it found in nature?:**

Yellow Phosphorus is purified by being treated with activated carbon. This must be done because Phosphorus is very uncommon in its pure form, it must be separated in phosphate form.
 * How is it recovered and purified?:**

//Fire Starters:// Phosphorus is used in matches. White phosphorus used to be used in matches but due to its harmful effects to human health red phosphorus is now used in matches. //Pesticides:// Used for farm pesticides as well as poisons such as rat poison. //Metal Treating:// Phosphorus is used to treat metals such as iron, zinc, and manganese. //Water Treatment:// Phosphorus can be used to remove metal salts from water. //Fertilizer:// Used in fertilizer to improve the effectiveness of the plant growth process.
 * How is it used?:**

Concentrated phosphorus is used in fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural farm processes. Phosphates are used in special glasses, sodium lamps, steel production, and in military products. Phosphates are used in the military in incendiary bombs, and smoke screens. Other uses include detergent, and toothpaste.
 * Products made from it:**

//White Phosphorus:// When white phosphorus is used to make other chemicals in industrial settings it ends up in surface waters due to the discharge of waste water. //Phosphates:// Enters the environment through mining and cultivating. When found in surface waters they can travel large distances. When the level of phosphates increases in surface waters phosphate-dependent organisms grow such as algae and duckweed. These organisms prevent sunlight from entering the water, this causes eutrophication.
 * Environmental Concerns:**

//Controlled Incineration:// With white phosphorus it is important that when disposed it is very controlled. As soon as it reacts with oxygen it will burn so when disposing be very careful. //Yellow Phosphorus:// Solidify and cover with sand or dirt, and then may be disposed of in a secured sanitary landfill.
 * Disposal:**

Phosphate is required for a healthy diet, it is recommended to have 800mg/day, and a normal diet usually has between 1000 and 2000 mg/day. People have changed the natural supply of phosphates by enriching manures in the soil. Phosphates are also added to cheese, sausages, hams, and other foods. //Benefits:// Strengthens teeth and bones. //Risks:// Too much can cause kidney damage and osteoporosis. Most deaths from white phosphorus are caused by the accidental ingestion of rat poison. White phosphorus can also cause burning on the skin.
 * Health Benefits and Risks:**

"Phosphorus, Chemical Element - Overview, Discovery and naming, Physical properties, Chemical properties, Occurrence in nature, Isotopes." //Chemistry: Foundations and Applications//. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. . "PHOSPHORUS CHEMISTRY: Uses." //Dr. A.CHANDRASEKARAN'S HOMEPAGE//. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. . "Phosphorus." //Fox River Ecosystem Partnership//. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. . "Phosphorus (P) - Chemical properties, Health and Environmental effects." //Water Treatment and Purification - Lenntech//. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. . "Phosphorus." //Spectrum Laboratories Inc.// Web. 21 Nov. 2009. . "Process for purifying yellow phosphorus - US Patent 4375457 Description." //PatentStorm: U.S. Patents//. Web. 21 Nov. 2009. .
 * Bibliography:**