Abstract
The objective of the present study is the characterization of the spatial evolution of phosphorus forms in sediments of Rhumel River located in northeast Algeria during winter conditions. Sediments samples were collected along the river in Constantine city during the year 2012. The samples were subjected to physicochemical characterization and metals analysis. Phosphorus was fractionated by sequential extractions procedure in exchangeable, oxyhydroxides bound; calcium bound; organic and residual fractions. The distribution of the different forms of phosphorus in the sediments appears to be influenced by the physicochemical characteristics, which depend on the sampling location. Phosphorus speciation along the river is characterized by the predominance of inorganic phosphorus forms. The exchangeable fraction is the lowest. Phosphorus concentration in this fraction does not exceed 20 mg/kg. The fraction bound to calcium is the most important in retaining inorganic phosphorus with concentrations varying from 328 to 490 mg/kg. Phosphorus bound to oxyhydroxides represents an average of 172 mg/kg. Along the river, the contribution of the different fractions in the phosphorus retention follows the order: exchangeable < bound to oxyhydroxides ~ organic < bound to calcium < residual. As estimated by the sum of exchangeable, bound to oxyhydroxides and bound to organic matter, an average of about 28% of the total phosphorus can become bioavailable. The predominant fraction in the Rhumel sediments changes from residual at upstream Constantine city to bound to calcium at downstream from it.
Highlights
Phosphorus is an essential element in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, it is considered as one of the major nutrients required by primary producers (Liu et al, 2012)
The objective of the present study is the characterization of the spatial evolution of phosphorus forms in sediments of Rhumel River located in northeast Algeria during winter conditions
Phosphorus in sediments can be adsorbed by Fe, Al and Mn oxihydroxides, tied in organic substances and bound to calcium (Balzer, 1986)
Summary
Phosphorus is an essential element in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, it is considered as one of the major nutrients required by primary producers (Liu et al, 2012). It is identified as a key nutrient responsible for eutrophication of aquatic environments which has become a serious environmental problem. Phosphorus is naturally present in the aquatic environment. The nature of the chemical and physical links of phosphorus with sediments is the most important factor that governs its release. The release of the chemically bound phosphorus is due to www.ccsenet.org/ep
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