Potassium
Naturally occurring alkali metal
Potassium is a common element but occurs in nature only as ionic salt.
It is of commercial interest mainly as component in fertilizers. Na-K-alloys are used as coolant in nuclear reactors. Further applications of potassium and its compounds include those in chemical and pharmaceutical industries, in glass and ceramics production, in electrical industry, measuring techniques, pyrotechnics, food industry and engineering.
Potassium is an essential element for all living organisms. Its toxicity is low and deficiency is more relevant than toxic effects.
Potassium contents in plants depend on the respective soils, species and age and vary between different parts of the plants. In animals, potassium is regulated and body concentrations are influenced e.g. by species, age, sex and weight.
Plants are capable of accumulating potassium.
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Specimen
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Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
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Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
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Common brown alga of the coastal areas of the North and Baltic Sea
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One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
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As the only viviparous fish in German nearshore waters, it is a bioindicator in nearshore coastal marine ecosystems.
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Inshore, the herring gull mainly feeds from the sea: upon fish, mussels, and crabs.
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
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As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m.
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A pigeon species home in nearly every city.
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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Student groups with an even number of female and male students at the age of 20 to 29.
Sampling area
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The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Germany's first national park
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National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world.
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National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Germany's largest forest national park
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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4 university cities as sampling areas.
Sampling period
1985 - 2022