White Phosphorus Research Paper

Local pollution description General physical and chemical properties of Phosphorus

What is the definition of Phosphorus? It is a highly reactive, poisonous, non-metallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, especially apatite. It exists in three allotropic forms, white, red and black.

Physical Properties

White phosphorous is white, waxy solid, giving off a greenish-white glow in the dark. It is spontaneously flammable when exposed to air and is deadly poison. It does not dissolve well in water, although it does dissolve in other liquids, such as benzene, chloroform, and carbon disulfide. White phosphorus sometimes appears slightly yellowish

Red and black phosphorus are considerably more passive in chemical reactions. The oxidation of white phosphorus occurs through a chain reaction. The oxidation of phosphorus is often accompanied by chemiluminesce; an occurrence whereby light is emitted during a chemical reaction and not producing significant quantities of heat. Phosphorus combines directly with all halogens. When heated with metals, phosphorus forms phosphides.

Phosphorus compound

Phosphorus also exists as compound, occurring naturally on the earth crust as phosphates. Phosphates are the mostly used form of phosphorus such as Calcium phosphate; a natural rock used to make phosphate fertilizers. Phosphorus is alloyed with bronze. Phosphorus compounds play an important role in the use of energy in living things.

The second most important use of phosphate compounds is in making detergents. The compound most often used in detergents is called sodium tripolyphosphate, acting as a water-softening agent, thereby greatly improving the ability of soaps and detergents to make suds and clean

The Center offers its visitors a green space where they can relax and reconnect with nature. A one-mile trail borders the perimeter of the park with 2 observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind and provides a peaceful area to walk and enjoy its three native south-western Illinois habitats: prairie, upland and lowland forests, and wetlands.

The Watershed Nature Center was founded in 1991 when local community members John and Kay Kendall proposed turning an abandoned sewage lagoon into a nature center. The lagoon operated between 1965 and 1986. Complaints due to flooding, odors, and unwanted insects caused the city to close the lagoon. The City of Edwardsville endorsed the plan to transform the lagoon into a city park. From the beginning, the Edwardsville community as a whole was instrumental in the creation of the Watershed Nature Center. The Operating Engineers Local 520 agreed to use the site as their training ground, and excavated the two lakes and wetland areas at no cost. Afterwards area families, local businesses, and community groups supported the transformation with donations of their time, tools, and monetary contributions. A grant from the Illinois Department of Conservation was obtained for restoration of the wetland habitats