Phosphate rocks are a vital resource for world food supply and security, serving as the primary raw material for phosphoric acid and fertilizers in agriculture. They are also increasingly recognized as a potential source of rare earth elements. Morocco holds the world’s largest deposits of sedimentary phosphate rocks and possesses several alkaline complexes with the potential to bear igneous phosphate ores that are still largely underexplored.
This article summarizes the main geological features and driving processes of sedimentary and igneous phosphates and discusses their global reserve/resource situation. It provides a comprehensive review of the published data and information on Moroccan sedimentary and igneous phosphates, revealing significant knowledge gaps and a lack of data regarding the geochemistry of phosphates and basin-scale correlations.
Open-pit phosphate mine in Khouribga, Morocco.
Key Features of Sedimentary and Igneous Phosphate Rocks
Marine Sedimentary Phosphate Deposits
Marine sedimentary phosphates consist of various phosphate particles, or “phosclasts,” which can be divided into skeletal grains (bioclasts, shark teeth, and bone fragments) and non-skeletal grains (peloids, coprolites, aggregates, or composite grains). These phosphate particles coexist with non-phosphatic phases such as quartz, calcite, dolomite, and clay minerals. The main phosphate minerals are carbonate fluorapatite (CFA), formerly known as francolite, and dahllite (carbonate hydroxyapatite), found in some marine phosphate rocks.
The majority of marine sedimentary phosphates result from the interaction between complex biogeochemical processes that occur under particular environmental conditions. Continental margins and epeiric seas are the most favorable locations for phosphate deposit accumulation, typically at depths between 100 and 500 m, with a limited supply of terrigenous and carbonate detritus, corresponding to a phosphogenic window. In these environments, upwelling currents play an essential role in lifting phosphorus-rich deep water to the surface, triggering significant biological productivity.
Read also: The Allure of Blue and White Tile
Phosphate mining
Biological activity promotes the establishment of phosphogenesis conditions via the accumulation of phosphorus from seawater and its recycling in sediments through the degradation of organic matter. Once delivered to the sediment-water interface, this organic phosphorus undergoes further microbial activity that controls its transformation into inorganic forms.
Different phosphogenic processes.
The newly formed carbonate fluorapatite is concentrated in the form of phosphatic particles and laminae, which can be rapidly buried, giving way to another cycle of phosphogenesis. The repetition of this cycle over time allows the formation of pristine laminated sedimentary phosphates. The transformation of these pristine sedimentary phosphates into naturally enriched phosphorites occurs under specific post-depositional conditions. A first possible scenario is an in situ enrichment process via winnowing, which consists of a substantial removal of fine sediment particles, leaving behind phosphatic grains.
Magnesium Phosphate: Features and Uses
Magnesium phosphate is a chemical compound that appears as a white crystalline powder, which is odorless and tasteless. It is insoluble in hot and cold water but can be easily mixed with ammonium salt solution.
This compound is responsible for oxygen transport in the cells, acid-base balance of the body, storing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cells, and maintaining the cell wall structure. Magnesium, in the form of an intracellular ion, acts as a metallo-coenzyme and actively participates in numerous reactions dealing with phosphate transfer.
Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl
Healthcare Applications
Magnesium phosphate acts as a protagonist in maintaining a person's health. The compound comprises almost 60% of nutrients present in the bones, muscles, soft tissues, and fluids. Several biochemical reactions like energy generation, repairing DNA and RNA, formation of proteins from amino acids, and regulating muscle movements are carried out by magnesium phosphate.
When present in the body, magnesium phosphate works as two different entities - magnesium and phosphate. As phosphate, it helps in strengthening bones and teeth and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. As magnesium, it acts as an antidepressant in treating mental illness and psychological problems, helps in bringing migraine under control, and reduces the impact of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, magnesium reduces chronic inflammation that often leads to aging, obesity, and chronic diseases.
Environmental Applications
Magnesium is present in the chlorophyll of the leaves and diligently participates in the process of photosynthesis. The lack of magnesium leads to poor and stunted growth of the plants. This mineral activates plant enzymes as well.
Types of magnesium phosphate, like struvite and dittmarite, are obtained from wastewater and reused in making fertilizers. Studies have yielded positive results in enhancing the concentration of phosphate in the fertilizer, which can be used for neutral and slightly alkaline soils and may result in healthy growth of plants and trees. Magnesium phosphate is considered fruitful in acidic soils as well, with high concentrations proving beneficial in arid and semi-arid environments, thus improving vegetation in these regions.
Sources of Magnesium Phosphate in Food
Some popular food sources that contain magnesium phosphate include:
Read also: Men's Moroccan Fashion
- Baked items
- Leafy vegetables
- Legumes like peas and beans
- Nuts
- Fruits like apricots and bananas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Almonds
- Avocado
This crystalline powder has several health and environmental benefits and can be found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. The compound proves to be valuable only if consumed as per requirements.
| Property/Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in ammonium salt solution |
| Healthcare | Bone strengthening, antidepressant, migraine control, reduces inflammation |
| Environmental | Fertilizer production, improves vegetation in arid regions |
| Food Sources | Leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, legumes |
Popular articles:
tags: #Moroccan
