Huser, Brian
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Sediment cores from six aluminum sulfate treated lakes in Minneapolis, MN were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of phosphorus (P) binding by aluminum (Al). Two of the study lakes are polymictic and the remaining four are dimictic. Above background concentrations of Al and Al-bound-P (P-Al) were detected in all six lakes at varying sediment depths. In contrast to previous studies, however, the binding relationship between Al and P was not consistent between lakes and substantial variation was also detected within each sediment profile. Average lake sediment Al:P-Al ratios ranged from 5.6 to 15 (molar) with higher ratios, or less efficient P binding, generally being detected in deep, dimictic lakes with high sediment Al content due to treatment. Multiple linear regression was used to explain the variability among average Al:P-Al ratios detected in each core and a lake morphometry index (Al Depth Index, core collection depth divided by the square root of lake area) along with Al dose described most of the variation (92%). Even though P bound to the added Al appears to be permanently removed from the internal P cycle in each lake (as evidenced by burial with new sediment), the differences in binding efficiency may indicate lower P inactivation, on a per unit Al basis, when elevated amounts of Al are added to the sediment, especially in deeper areas of lakes where sediment focusing may cause elevated Al accumulation to occur.
Keywords
Aluminum sulfate Sediment Sorption Phosphorus Internal loading Lakes
Published in
Water Research
2012, volume: 46, number: 15, pages: 4697-4704
SLU Authors
Global goals (SDG)
SDG6 Clean water and sanitation
UKÄ Subject classification
Geochemistry
Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2012.06.005
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/41178