Phosphates are chemical compounds that contain phosphate ions, which are derived from phosphoric acid. They are used in a variety of applications, including:
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Fertilizers: Phosphate rock is processed to produce phosphorous, which is one of the three main nutrients most commonly used in fertilizers.
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Food and Cosmetics: Phosphoric acid is used in everything from food and cosmetics to animal feed and electronics.
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Water Treatment: Phosphates are water treatment chemicals used to solve specific water quality problems resulting from inorganic contaminants (iron, manganese, calcium, etc.) in ground water supplies and also to maintain water quality (inhibit corrosion, scale, biofilm, reduce lead and copper levels) in the distribution system.
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Medicinal Salts: Phosphates are used as medicinal salts of phosphorus. Some phosphates, which help cure many urinary tract infections, are used to make urine more acidic. For patients who are unable to get enough phosphorus in their daily diet, phosphates are used as dietary supplements, usually because of certain disorders or diseases.
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Building Blocks: Phosphate is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. Phosphate is also used as a building block for several important substances, including those used by the cell for energy, cell membranes, and DNA.
Phosphates are found naturally in food, water, and even human bodies. In the body, phosphorus is present in genes, teeth, and bones, and even muscles work because of the phosphorus in adenosine triphosphate.
