What would happen if there was too much phosphorus in the water?

Question

What would happen if there was too much phosphorus in the water?

Answer 1

Phosphates used in detergents cause Algae blooms that take oxygen from the water.

Lack of oxygen kills the fish and other critters.

Answer 2

I assume you are talking about adding phosphorus in the form of PO4- or phosphate.  If you add to  much of this to lakes or streams it usually causes algal blooms since it is a limiting nutrient.

Answer 3

pure phosphorus must be covered with water or it would ignite i suppose something like that might occur.