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Phosphates are the naturally occurring form of the element phosphorus, found in many phosphate minerals. In mineralogy and geology, phosphate refers to a rock or ore containing phosphate ions. Inorganic phosphates are mined to obtain phosphorus for use in agriculture and industry.

Phosphorite mines are primarily found in:

  • North America: United States of America, especially Florida, with lesser deposits in North Carolina, Idaho andTennessee.
  • Africa: Egypt, Morocco, mainly near Khouribga and Youssoufia; Senegal, Togo, Tunisia and Western Sahara, at the town ofBu Craa.
  • Middle East: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq, at the town of Akashat, near the Jordanian border.
  • Oceania: Australia, Makatea, Nauru, and Banaba Island.

Phosphate deposits can contain significant amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals. Mining operations processing phosphate rock can leave tailings piles containing elevated levels of cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, chromium, and uranium. Unless carefully managed, these waste products can leach heavy metals into groundwater or nearby estuaries. Uptake of these substances by plants and marine life can lead to concentration of toxic heavy metals in food products.

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5mo ago

Geological surveys and mineral exploration are used to identify areas with high phosphate deposits. These surveys involve studying rock formations, soil samples, and geophysical data to determine the presence of phosphate minerals. Additionally, historical mining data and advanced technologies like remote sensing and satellite imagery play a role in guiding companies to potential phosphate mining locations.

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Predict the formulas for calcium chloride and potassium phosphate?

The formula for calcium chloride is CaCl2, and the formula for potassium phosphate is K3PO4.


What is the name of Na3PO3?

The compound with formula Na3PO4 is named "sodium phosphate", "trisodium phosphate", "sodium ortho-phosphate", or "trisodium ortho-phosphate".


What mass of phosphorus is contained in 45.3 g of ammonium phosphate?

To calculate the mass of phosphorus in 45.3 g of ammonium phosphate, you need to know the molar mass of ammonium phosphate (NH4)3PO4, which is approximately 149.09 g/mol. The mass percentage of phosphorus in ammonium phosphate is 30.97%. Therefore, the mass of phosphorus in 45.3 g of ammonium phosphate can be calculated as: 45.3 g x (30.97/100) = 14.02 g of phosphorus.


What is a phosphate head?

A phosphate head is a component of a phospholipid molecule that consists of a phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. It is hydrophilic, meaning it is attracted to water. In a cell membrane, phosphate heads face outward towards the aqueous environment, while the fatty acid tails face inward away from water.


What is the compound formules for sodium phosphate?

Sodium phosphate is a generic term for the salts of sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid (soluble in water). They are:sodium dihydrogen phosphate, commonly termed monosodium phosphate, (NaH2PO4), is also known as "sodium phosphate, monobasic".disodium hydrogen phosphate, commonly termed disodium phosphate, (Na2HPO4) is also known as "sodium phosphate, dibasic".Trisodium phosphate, commonly shortened to just sodium phosphate, (Na3PO4), is also known as "sodium phosphate, tribasic".sodium aluminium phosphate, (Na8Al2(OH)2(PO4)4).

Related questions

What is a good sentence with the word phosphate in it?

Example sentence - His father works at the phosphate mine.


What does Nauru mine?

Nauru mines phosphate but it is mostly depleted. The unemployment rate is near 90% on this tiny island country.


What is the formula compound for ammonium hydrogen phosphate?

dont' really know


Predict the formulas for calcium chloride and potassium phosphate?

The formula for calcium chloride is CaCl2, and the formula for potassium phosphate is K3PO4.


What is your girlsene username?

mine is pineapplegirl36 mine is khloey17 and I know miley cyrus's, it is smileymiley490 mine is BabyOwl4


What can you mine?

You can mine gold, coal and iron ore there might be more things that you can mine but these are the ones that i know of


How many Grams of Phosphate are in a 50 percent K2HPO4 Solution?

To calculate the grams of phosphate in a solution, you first need to determine the molarity of the solution. Once you know the molarity, you can use the molecular weight of phosphate to determine the grams present in the solution. Can you provide the concentration or volume of the K2HPO4 solution?


Should you mine phosphate?

Mining phosphate can have negative environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of phosphate mining and weigh them against the benefits of extracting the mineral. Sustainable mining practices and proper regulation can help minimize these impacts.


How do you raise phosphate levels in a pool?

To raise phosphate levels in a pool, use a phosphate remover product specifically designed for pools. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and test the phosphate levels regularly to ensure they are within the optimal range. Additionally, consider regularly cleaning the pool filters and maintaining proper pool sanitation practices to prevent phosphate buildup.


How do you know what a possessive noun is?

if it is mine


Is it normal for a pregnant mare to get moodier. Because mine has?

Ya it's normal because i know mine has i don't know why though


What is the name of Na3PO3?

The compound with formula Na3PO4 is named "sodium phosphate", "trisodium phosphate", "sodium ortho-phosphate", or "trisodium ortho-phosphate".