Ammonium magnesium orthophosphate

Long-term toxicity to fish

Additional information

Since magnesium ammonium phosphate dissociates to it's respective ammonium, (magnesium) and phosphate ions, it is considered acceptable to approach the assessment of magnesium ammonium phosphate based on the individual components. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element and constitutes about 2% af the Earth's crust by weight, and it is the third most plentiful element dissolved in seawater. After sodium, it is the most commonly found cation in oceans. The most common source of magnesium in groundwater is through the erosion of rocks, such as dolomite and minerals, such as magnesite. It is found naturally in many foods such as vegetables, nuts, grains, fish and dairy products. Magnesium is a dietary mineral for any organism but insects. Magnesium is an essential mineral, acting as a cofactor for many enzyme systems. It is involved in energy metabolism, the synthesis of proteins and nucleotides, and the metabolism and action of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. Phosphorus can be found in the environment most commonly as phosphates. Phosphates are important substances in the human body, because they are a part of DNA materials and they take part in energy distribution. Phosphates can also be found commonly in plants. It is an essential nutrient for plants and animals in the form of ions PO43- and HPO42-. It is a part of DNA-molecules, of molecules that store energy (ATP and ADP) and of fats of cell membranes. Phosphorus is also a building block of certain parts of the human and animal body, such as the bones and teeth. Ammonia is found throughout the environment in the air, soil, and water, and in plants and animals including humans. Ammonia occurs naturally and is produced by human activity. It is an important source of nitrogen which is needed by plants and animals. Bacteria found in the intestines can produce ammonia. From a scientific point of view it is therefore of no additional benefit to investigate further the ecotoxicological behaviour of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Further it has to be stated, that after distribution in the environment it would be impossible to make a distinction between ammonium magnesium phosphate and other natural occuring minerals comprising magnesium and phosphate . Each deposit would be covered by the huge amount of minerals, which build the sediment in the surface water or the earth´s crust.