Persistence of white phosphorus (P4) particles in salt marsh sediments

Abstract

Remediation of sediments at Eagle River Flats, Alaska, a salt marsh contaminated with solid particles of white phosphorus (P4), may require severe alterations of the wetland by dredging, draining, or covering. However, some sediments may undergo decontamination naturally in areas that are seasonally subaerially exposed. The persistence of millimeter-size P4 particles was studied in laboratory and field experiments. White phosphorus particles were found to be persistent in saturated sediments. In unsaturated sediments, loss was rapid (within 24 h) at 20°C, and was retarded by low temperatures.