from sediment in shallow basins. Bacteria and enzymes dissolve organic matter on the water-bottom interface, thus returning phosphorus to the beginning of its biogenic cycle. Mineralization of organic matter can also cause the release of phosphorus back into the ocean water.

Depositional environments

Phosphates are known to be deposited in a wide range of depositional environments. Commonly, phosphates are deposited in very shallow, near-shore marine or low-energy environments.

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