Abstract

Quantification of the downward flux of phosphorus (P) in the water column is essential for understanding the fates and pathways of different P forms and to establish mass-balances in aquatic systems such as the Baltic Sea. In this study, we investigated the amount and composition of settling P in sediment trap material, as well as the seasonal and spatial variation of the material in four archipelago areas along the Swedish and Finnish coasts of the Baltic Proper. It was found that potentially mobile and immobile forms of P make up roughly equal shares of the total P in settling material, implying that, over time, around half of the settling P will be mobilized in the sediments. We also found substantial temporal and spatial variation in terms of amounts and composition of settling P that may partly be explained by differences in primary production and resuspension.

Published in

Boreal Environment Research
2019, Volume: 24, pages: 63-77
Publisher: FINNISH ENVIRONMENT INST

SLU Authors

• Mattila, Johanna

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Åbo Akademi University

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences
Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105971