Total phosphorus (as total P)

Properties

  • collective parameter: organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds (most of total phosphorus in waste water is in the inorganic dissolved form; a small amount of phosphorus is in organic form, dissolved and undissolved)
  • vary according to substance
  • phosphate: anion, slightly soluble metal salt or solution

Main sources

  • chemical industry: organic chemistry (various applications)
  • agriculture: fertilisers
  • sewage
  • until 1986: detergents

Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO

(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)

  • Air                -
  • Water          5,000 kg/year
  • Soil              5,000 kg/year

Impacts

  • vary according to substance
  • contributes to the eutrophication of bodies of water (along with nitrogen compounds)

    Further information

    Contact
    Last modification 16.12.2016

    Top of page

    https://www.bafu.admin.ch/content/bafu/en/home/themen/thema-chemikalien/schadstoffglossar/phosphor.html