Assessment of the eutrophication of Al Massira reservoir (Morocco) by means of a survey of the biogeochemical balance of phosphate

Abstract

The biogeochemical balance of phosphate was studied in Al Massira reservoir (Morocco) from February 1991 to end January 1992. The study concerned P-supplies and losses by the Oum errbia river, sedimentation rate and water-sediment exchange. Supply and loss of phosphate were calculated from samples collected every 48 hours. Phosphate sedimentation rate was measured with sediment traps. The assessment of phosphate release at the water-sediment interface during either low oxic or anoxic conditions was made in situ with a benthic chamber. The results showed that phosphate input was higher than phosphate output resulting in a progressive increase of the internal phosphorus stock. The sedimentation flux ranged between 9 and 19 mg m−2 d−1 of P. Release of phosphate depended on the oxygen concentrations in the water. We suggest that a drastic control of phosphate input into the water must be achieved through a programme of dephosphorylation of the tributaries to avoid accumulation of calcium-bound phosphate which may become a source of upward release of bioavailable phosphate. Further investigations of this flux should be carried out to check the quantitative influence on phytoplankton community dynamics.