Phosphates are chemical compounds that contain the phosphate ion, which is made up of phosphorus and oxygen. They are essential nutrients for plants and animals, playing a crucial role in processes like energy transfer and DNA formation. In agriculture, phosphates are commonly found in fertilizers, helping crops grow strong and healthy. In nature, phosphates are often found in rocks and minerals, and they can also be released into water bodies from agricultural runoff. This can lead to problems like eutrophication, where excess nutrients cause harmful algal blooms, depleting oxygen in the water and harming aquatic life.