orthofosfaattiioni

The orthophosphate ion is a polyatomic anion with the chemical formula PO4^3-. It is the conjugate base of phosphoric acid. In aqueous solution, it exists in equilibrium with its protonated forms, dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4^-) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO4^2-), depending on the pH. The orthophosphate ion is a fundamental building block in biology, forming the backbone of DNA and RNA and playing a crucial role in cellular energy transfer through adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It is also a key component of bones and teeth in the form of calcium phosphate. Industrially, orthophosphates are used in fertilizers, detergents, and as food additives. In environmental contexts, elevated levels of orthophosphates, often from agricultural runoff and wastewater, can lead to eutrophication of water bodies, causing excessive algal growth and oxygen depletion. The geometry of the orthophosphate ion is tetrahedral, with the central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.