Phosphorus distribution and retention in lacustrine wetland sediment cores of Lake Changshou in the Three Gorges Reservoir area

Abstract

Lake Changshou is a eutrophic reservoir of the Longxi River in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. In this study, we sampled the sediment of the lacustrine wetland to determine phosphorous (P) fractions, their distribution, and retention along the water level, with the overall aim to evaluate biogeochemical P migration. Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the water-level zone varied from 106.60 to 1178.86 mg/kg, with highest levels in the shallow-water area. With increasing sediment depth, TP levels decreased. The different wetland zones (land area, area with fluctuating water levels, shallow-water area, and deep-water area) were dominated by different P fractions. Based on our results, the hot spot of P accumulation in the littoral zone is the shallow-water area, possibly because of the significant hydrological changes.