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Recent biogenic phosphorite: Concretions in mollusk kidneys

January 1, 1978

Phosphorite concretions have been detected in the kidneys of two widespread species ofmollusks, Mercenaria mercenaria and Argopecten irradians, which have relatively high population densities. These concretions are thefirst documentation of the direct biogenic formation of phosphorite grains. The concretions are principally amorphous calcium phosphate, which upon being heated yields an x-ray diffraction pattern which is essentially that of chlorapatite. These concretions appear to be a normal formation of the excretory process of mollusks under reproductive, environmental, or pollutant-induced stress. Biogenic production of phosphorite concretions over long periods of time and diagenetic change from amorphous to crystalline structure, coupled with secondary enrichment, may account for the formation of some marine phosphorite desposits which are not easily explained by the chemical precipitation- replacement hypothesis. Copyright ?? 1978 AAAS.

Publication Year 1978
Title Recent biogenic phosphorite: Concretions in mollusk kidneys
Authors L. J. Doyle, N.J. Blake, C.C. Woo, P. Yevich
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70012565
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse