Forms of Phosphorus in the Surficial Sediments of Lake Erie

Abstract
The P in 48 surficial Lake Erie [Canada, USA] sediment samples was present in 3 major forms: P associated with apatite, nonapatite inorganic P (NAIP), and organic P. The apatite was of natural, detrital origin. It existed as particles ranging from fine sand to clay in size but mostly as silt-sized particles and was concentrated in nearshore sediments. Both NAIP and organic P was concentrated in fine-grained sediments accumulating in offshore depositional areas. NAIP was associated with amorphous hydrated ferric oxide in the oxidized microzone but was present as vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2 .cntdot. 8H2O) and possibly other forms also in the reduced zone. The organic P content of the sediment was closely related to organic C content. The phyllosilicate, organic matter, and reactive Fe and Mn components of the sediments existed in intimate association.

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