Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus Fluxes Research Articles

Dynamic disparities in inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes into estuarine systems under different flow regimes and streamflow droughts

Elongated periods of low flow conditions, which can be termed as streamflow droughts, influence the nutrient (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) balance in estuarine systems. Analyzing temporal trends of nutrient fluxes into such systems under different streamflow regimes can complement the understanding about the dynamic evolution of streamflow droughts and their impacts on nutrient levels. The objective of this paper was to evaluate how dynamic evolution of streamflow droughts (from low flow conditions) affects the inorganic nutrient flux in a tropical estuarine system. We analyzed a 20-year time series of streamflow data together with the concentrations of two nutrient parameters—dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN)—in the Lower Apalachicola River that drains into Apalachicola Bay in northeastern Gulf of Mexico, Florida. Our findings revealed that droughts affect the seasonal patterns and fluxes of both DIP and DIN. We also observed post-drought flushing patterns in DIP and contrasting changes in DIP and DIN fluxes in the long-term (20 years here) under different streamflow conditions. Dynamically changing correlations between the streamflow and the fluxes were found throughout different phases of droughts. In the long-term (from 2003 to 2021), the DIP flux in high flows increased by 35.3%, while the flux decreased by 15.7% in low flows. Conversely, DIN flux in high flows showed a decrease of <1.2%, but an increase of <23.7% in low flows after droughts end. The insights from this study highlighted the need for effective regulation plans such as proper nutrient management against streamflow droughts to mitigate negative ecological consequences in estuarine systems such as harmful algal blooms.

Regeneration of sedimentary phosphorus and iron in a large seasonally hypoxic estuary deciphered by 224Ra/228Th disequilibria

Using a 224Ra/228Th disequilibrium approach, we demonstrate in this study that benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in the seasonally hypoxic Yangtze River Estuary were largely manipulated by two counteracting processes: the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter and adsorption of DIP onto iron (Fe) oxides. The decomposition rate of sedimentary organic matter rose exponentially with bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration multiplied by the amplification factor of sediment surface area (ξ), a variable used to describe the intensity of bio-irrigation and physical reworking in the sediment deposit. In the summer of 2020, the Yangtze River catchment encountered the largest flood event in the past 20 years. As a result of enhanced physical reworking of the seabed, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) flux increased by approximately 4-fold as compared to the summer of 2019 (657 vs. 154 mmol m−2 d−1). DIP flux exhibited similar inter-annual variations to DIC flux, indicating that changes in the decomposition rate of sedimentary organic matter were the main cause of the inter-annual differences in DIP flux (1.5 mmol m−2 d−1 in 2020 vs. 0.3 mmol m−2 d−1 in 2019). On the other hand, benthic dissolved Fe fluxes declined exponentially with rising DO concentration because of re-oxidation of Fe2+ in porewater into Fe oxides. As a consequence, approximately 90% of DIP sourced from the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter was retained within the sediment when the bottom water was well oxygenated (DO >125 μmol l−1). Our results imply that regeneration of sedimentary P and Fe may be efficient only within a very narrow redox window where DO concentrations are below a threshold value of ∼60 μmol l−1, but bio-irrigation or physical reworking is still active.

Vallisneria spiralis Promotes P and Fe Retention via Radial Oxygen Loss in Contaminated Sediments

Microbial respiration determines the accumulation of reduced solutes and negative redox potential in organic sediments, favoring the mobilization of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), generally coprecipitated with Fe oxyhydroxides. Macrophytes releasing oxygen from the roots can contrast DIP mobility via the oxidation of anaerobic metabolism end-products. In this work, the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis was transplanted into laboratory microcosms containing sieved and homogenized organic sediments collected from a contaminated wetland. Sediments with and without plants were incubated under light and dark conditions for oxygen and DIP fluxes measurements and pore water characterization (pH, oxidation-reduction potential, DIP, dissolved Mn, and Fe). Bare sediments were net DIP sources whereas sediments with V. spiralis were weak DIP sources in the dark and large sinks in light. V. spiralis radial oxygen loss led to less negative redox potential and lower Fe, Mn, and DIP concentrations in pore water. Roots were coated by reddish plaques with large amounts of Fe, Mn, and P, exceeding internal content. The results demonstrated that at laboratory scale, the transplant of V. spiralis into polluted organic sediments, mitigates the mobility of DIP and metals through both direct and indirect effects. This, in turn, may favor sediment colonization by less-tolerant aquatic plants. Further in situ investigations, coupled with economic analyses, can evaluate this potential application as a nature-based solution to contrast eutrophication.

Monthly Variation in Flux of Inorganic Nutrients From Submarine Groundwater Discharge in a Volcanic Island: Significant Nitrogen Contamination in Groundwater

To determine nutrient fluxes derived from submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), we conducted monthly hydrological surveys on the coast of Jeju, a volcanic island located in the southern sea of Korea. The concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), and dissolved silicon (DSi) were significantly correlated with salinity, indicating that fresh SGD (FSGD) is a major nutrient source in Jeju Island where no other coastal freshwater origins exist. Based on a DSi-mass balance model, seepage rate of FSGD was found to depend on 5-day precipitation before sampling campaigns, which immediately permeatedviaporous aquifers. Thus, the FSGD-driven nutrient fluxes were generally higher in rainy season (July–August) and September 2019 when typhoons occurred. However, high DIN and DIP fluxes were found during spring (March–May), even at low seepage rate, perhaps by a fertilizer input from agriculture activity. This study highlights that large variation of the SGD-driven nutrient fluxes was caused by environmental and anthropogenic factors and emphasizes on the importance of long-term investigation.

Phosphorus Fluxes from Three Coastal Watersheds under Varied Agriculture Intensities to the Northern Gulf of Mexico

This study aims to evaluate recent total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) transport from three coastal rivers—the Calcasieu, Mermentau, and Vermilion Rivers—that drain watersheds with varied agriculture intensities (21%, 67%, and 61%, respectively) into the northern Gulf of Mexico, one of the world’s largest summer hypoxic zones. The study also examined the spatial trends of TP and DIP from freshwater to saltwater along an 88-km estuarine reach with salinity increasing from 0.02 to 29.50. The results showed that from 1990–2009 to 2010–2017, the TP fluxes for one of the agriculture-intensive rivers increased while no significant change was found for the other two rivers. Change in river discharge was the main reason for this TP flux trend. The two more agriculture-intensive river basins showed consistently higher TP and DIP concentrations and fluxes, as well as higher DIP:TP ratios than the river draining less agriculture-intensive land, confirming the strong effect of land uses on phosphorus input and speciation. Longitudinal profiles of DIP along the salinity gradient of the estuarine reach displayed characteristic input behavior. Desorption of DIP from suspended solids and river bed sediments, urban inputs, as well as stronger calcium carbonate and phosphorus co-precipitation at the marine endmember could be the reasons for such mixing dynamics.

Estimating submarine groundwater discharge and associated nutrient inputs into Daya Bay during spring using radium isotopes

Daya Bay, a semi-enclosed bay in the South China Sea, is well known for its aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism. In recent years, many environmental problems have emerged, such as the frequent (almost yearly) occurrence of harmful algal blooms and red tides. Therefore, investigations of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and associated nutrient inputs to this bay have important theoretical and practical significance to the protection of the ecological system. Such a study was conducted using short-lived radium isotopes 223Ra and 224Ra. The estimated SGD fluxes were 2.89 × 107 m3/d and 3.05 × 107 m3/d based on 223Ra and 224Ra, respectively. The average SGD flux was about 35 times greater than that of all the local rivers. The SGD-associated dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) fluxes ranged from 1.95 × 106 to 2.06 × 106 mol/d and from 5.72 × 104 to 6.04 × 104 mol/d, respectively. The average ratio of DIN to DIP fluxes in SGD was 34, much higher than that in local rivers (about 6.46), and about twice as large as the Redfield ratio (16). Our results indicate that SGD is a significant source of nutrients to the bay and may cause frequent occurrence of harmful algal blooms. This study provides baseline data for evaluating potential environmental effects due to urbanization and economic growth in this region.

A New Phosphorus Paradigm for the Baltic Proper

The external phosphorus (P) loading has been halved, but the P content in the water column and the area of anoxic bottoms in Baltic proper has increased during the last 30 years. This can be explained by a temporary internal source of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) that is turned on when the water above the bottom sediment becomes anoxic. A load-response model, explaining the evolution from 1980 to 2005, suggests that the average specific DIP flux from anoxic bottoms in the Baltic proper is about 2.3 g P m−2 year−1. This is commensurable with fluxes estimated in situ from anoxic bottoms in the open Baltic proper and from hydrographic data in the deep part of Bornholm Basin. Oxygenation of anoxic bottoms, natural or manmade, may quickly turn off the internal P source from anoxic bottoms. This new P-paradigm should have far-reaching implications for abatement of eutrophication in the Baltic proper.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13280-013-0441-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recycling and burial of phosphorus in sediments of an anoxic fjord—the By Fjord, western Sweden

Recycling and burial of sediment phosphorus were studied in the By Fjord, western Sweden, during the years 2009 to 2010 using autonomous benthic landers and sediment sampling. The By Fjord is a small fjord with a shallow sill at its narrow mouth, which limits water exchange of the fjord’s basin water. The water in the basin is exchanged only every 3 to 5 years and the water below sill level is anoxic or sulfidic between water renewals. Five sites were examined in the By Fjord; three shallow sites above the sill level with oxic bottom waters and two deeper sites with anoxic bottom waters. Contents of sediment organic carbon and total nitrogen were higher at deep stations when compared to shallow stations, whereas the contents of sediment inorganic P was higher, and sediment organic P generally lower, at shallow than at deep stations both in surficial and buried sediment. One shallow oxic site and one deep anoxic site were also examined in the adjacent Koljo Fjord having similar characteristics as the By Fjord. In situ measurements of benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) showed that the fluxes from sediments with oxic overlying water (0.05–0.23 mmol m−2 d−1) were much lower than fluxes from sediments with anoxic overlying water (1.25–2.26 mmol m−2 d−1). The DIP flux increased with increasing flux of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) not only at anoxic but also at oxic bottoms, which is different from observations in brackish water environments. The average ratio between the DIC and DIP fluxes at oxic bottoms was almost 10 times higher than the Redfield C:P ratio indicating partial immobilization of P in oxic sediments. In contrast, the C:P ratio in fluxes was on average 1.5 times lower than Redfield at the anoxic bottoms. The benthic fluxes from anoxic bottoms were P rich not only in relation to C, but also to N. The low C:P flux ratio at anoxic sites coincided with a ≈ 2.5 times higher than Redfield C:P ratio of organic matter in the sediment solid phase clearly suggesting preferential regeneration of P at anoxic bottoms. Burial of inorganic P was higher than organic P burial at both anoxic and oxic sites; the former made up 59 to 60% of the total P burial at the deep anoxic stations, and 80% at the main shallow oxic station. The burial efficiency for organic P at anoxic bottoms was estimated to be only 1 to 3%, which indicates extremely efficient recycling of deposited organic P under anoxic conditions in this fjord environment.

An estimate of the efficiency of the iron‐ and manganese‐driven dissolved inorganic phosphorus trap at an oxic/euxinic water column redoxcline

Geochemical records suggest the ocean has undergone periods of at least partial deeper‐ocean anoxia or euxinia. Two counteracting feedback loops involving redox control of the dynamics of the phytoplankton nutrient dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) might coexist, helping to stabilize the redox state of the atmosphere and oceans. This concept implies that, during deeper‐ocean anoxia, the DIP transfer from the deep anoxic into the oxic surface ocean is uninhibited by processes taking place at the redoxcline. This implicit assumption requires testing because iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) dynamics at oxic/anoxic water column redoxclines have the potential to form a DIP trap, inhibiting DIP transport from anoxic deep into oxic surface waters. Using a time series data set of Fe, Mn, DIP, and dissolved oxygen distributions in the Eastern Gotland Basin of the Baltic Sea, we provide estimates of the efficiency of this Fe‐ and Mn‐driven DIP trap. This efficiency was estimated by calculating the ratios of (1) the downward flux of DIP adsorbed onto and/or coprecipitated into the settling authigenic Fe‐ and Mn‐rich particles just above the redoxcline and (2) the upward turbulent‐diffusive DIP flux across the redoxcline. Depending on the assumed particle densities, we find average ±1 SD trapping efficiencies of 0.38 ± 0.29 and 0.63 ± 0.45. The efficiencies are significant in that they seem to impact cyanobacterial dynamics in the central Baltic Sea. We discuss possible implications of the trapping mechanism for, and propose two hypotheses relating to the potential importance of Fe‐controlled DIP trapping at redoxclines during, ocean anoxic events.

A simple sediment process description suitable for 3D-ecosystem modelling — Development and testing in the Gulf of Finland

The ecosystem of the Gulf of Finland is currently dominated by internal phosphorus loading from sediments. The internal load is highly redox sensitive, and its successful modelling on basin-wide scale requires a simplified description of the sediment process. We present here an approach in which redox-sensitive sediment processes are directly linked to the decomposition of carbon instead of the oxygen concentration in near-bottom water. Mineralisation of organic carbon is known to be the major factor controlling sediment nutrient cycling, including denitrification and Fe(III) oxide reduction, giving rise to high phosphorus fluxes from anoxic sediments. Our sediment process description requires only four main parameters, which are here identified by using in situ CO 2, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) flux measurements carried out by Göteborg University landers. The model was tested with the aid of time series of denitrification and DIP flux rates measured in the western Gulf of Finland. Modelled near-bottom and surface nutrient concentrations were compared with monitoring data from both the eastern and western Gulf of Finland. The model simulations showed that the average net ecosystem production entering the sediment surface from the euphotic layer was 49 g C m − 2 a − 1 . This organic load induced an average denitrification rate of 2.5 g N m − 2 a − 1 and DIP flux of 0.67 g P m − 2 a − 1 , corresponding to 20,200 t P a − 1 for the whole Gulf of Finland. The model was able to describe the seasonality of denitrification and sediment DIP flux with high precision. Further, the modelled near-bottom and surface nutrient concentrations were compatible with the available data. The results indicate that, on the scales important for coastal and open sea conditions, our simple sediment process description works well. The new tool will help us to use 3D models to study the effects of external load on the production and decomposition of organic matter, and on subsequent benthic nutrient fluxes.

Influences of natural and anthropogenic processes on the nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes of the Yangtze Estuary, China

Nutrient flux to the sea through the estuary is important to the health of the sea. Combining natural processes with anthropogenic activities, we discuss the influence on the nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes to the Yangtze River basin, to the estuary and to the sea. The fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) to the estuary through the river/estuary interface are obviously higher than those to the sea through to the estuary/sea interface of the Yangtze estuary. The changes in nutrient fluxes through different interfaces are largely due to the estuarine hydrological and biogeochemical processes. Household, livestock and agricultural runoff are major sources of nitrogen from human activities, and household and livestock contribute to an increase in the anthropogenic phosphorus. The fluxes of DIN and DIP from economic activities account for about one-third of DIN and DIP fluxes to the sea through the Yangtze estuary.

Land-ocean fluxes in the Paranaguá Bay estuarine system, southern Brazil

A worldwide modeling effort has been proposed by the LOICZ (Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone) Program to foster the acquisition of intercomparable data on land-ocean fluxes in estuaries and continental shelf ecosystems from all continental margins. As part of the South American component of this initiative, we present flux estimates of water, salt, dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and plankton for the estuarine system of Paranaguá Bay, southern Brazil, based on the LOICZ modeling approach and local data obtained during the 1990's. This system is strongly influenced by a seasonal meteorological cycle, represented by the rainy/summer and dry/winter periods. Semi-diurnal tides of up to the 2.7-m range are responsible for the short time-scale dynamics. The model indicated a potential water export to the adjacent coast of up to 7 x 10(6) m³ d-1 in the dry season, and 28 x 10(6) m³ d-1 during the rainy season. The system exhibits seasonal and spatial variations in DIP and DIN fluxes. "DIP amounted to +2.3 x 10(6) mol P yr-1 and "DIN to -2.7 x 10(6) mol N yr-1, suggesting that net production of phosphate and consumption of inorganic nitrogen predominate throughout in the system. Fluxes and therefore export of DIN and eespecially of DIP are higher in the rainy season. Stoichiometric estimates based on the C:N:P ratios of the reacting particulate organic matter (mangrove and plankton detritus) suggest that net denitrification predominates all over the bay, with values between -24.3 and -10.6 x 10(6) mol N year-1. Estimated seaward outflows had little effect upon the fate of the phyto- and zooplankton biomass in different sectors of the bay. This is exemplified by the low net export of algal production from the upper to the middle sectors of the estuary.

Septic Tank Impacts on Ground Water Quality and Nearshore Sediment Nutrient Flux

AbstractField studies were conducted at three coastal plain sites to characterize inorganic nutrient and fecal coliform bacteria ground water quality and intertidal sediment nutrient fluxes under the influence of residential septic tank effluent. Mean drainfield DIP (dissolved inorganic phosphorus) and DIN (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) concentrations varied between 294 to 336 and 4494 to 5391 μmol/L, respectively, with mean fecal coliform bacteria densities ranging from 105.04 to 106.29 MPN (most probable number) /100 mL. DIP and fecal coliform bacteria exhibited a high degree of attenuation with shoreline concentrations at or near background levels. In contrast, septic tank nitrogen loadings to shallow ground water were significant and resulted in mean shoreline DIN concentrations ∼50 to 100 times greater than adjacent surface water concentrations. Mean site sediment DIP and DIN flux to surface waters varied from 1.1 to 1.6 and 52 to 135 μmol/m2/hr, respectively. Whereas DIP sediment fluxes were similar to reported values for sites adjacent to forested and agricultural lands, DIN fluxes were elevated compared to forested lands and near the lower end of the range reported for agricultural lands within the southern Chesapeake Bay region. Maximum measured sediment DIN flux was 1514 μmol/m2/hr. Estimated waste water nitrogen loading to shallow ground water (5.7 to 10.7 kg/household/yr) was significant and with 0.5 to 1 acre lot sizes, comparable to water table nitrogen loadings from dominant row‐crop land use in the mid‐Atlantic Coastal Plain. Given the trends in population growth in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other coastal regions, nitrogen loads from septic tanks to these systems should also be expected to increase.

Non-conservative P and N fluxes and net ecosystem production in San Quintin Bay, México

San Quintin Bay, Mexico, is a hypersaline coastal lagoon where the main external forcing of physical and biogeochemical processes is oceanic. Non-conservative fluxes of inorganic N (ΔDIN) and P (ΔDIP), and aspects of net ecosystem metabolism were studied in this lagoon during August 1995, August 1996, and February 1996, by following the LOICZ budgetary modeling approach. The whole-system water exchange time during summer (≈13 d) was shorter than in winter (≈26 d) as northwesterly winds enhancing mixing with the ocean are more intense during the spring-summer upwelling season. Whole-bay ΔDIP values of +0.2 to +0.3 mmol m−2 d−1 in August, and <+0.01 mmol m−2 d−1 in February indicate that the system is a net source of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP). DIP fluxes from the Bay to the ocean during August are probably balanced by a net import of particulate organic matter between 1,000–1,300 × 103 mol C d−1, equivalent to a net ecosystem production (NEP) between −24 and −31 mmol C m−2 d−1. ΔDIN showed opposite trends in August 1995 and August 1996, with a net import of 13×103 mol N d−1 and a net export of 30× 103 mol N d−1, respectively. However, N fixation minus denitrification (“apparent denitrification”) estimates of ≈−4 mmol N m−2 d−1 in both periods indicate that San Quintin Bay is a net sink of nitrogen. Results from a 3-box model indicate that during summer Box C, adjacent to the ocean, contributed 70–80% of the excess DIP produced in the whole-system. This observation and high apparent denitrification values of ≈−7 mmol N m−2 d−1 at the entrance of the Bay, suggest that the net heterotrophic condition of San Quintin Bay in summer is largely determined by imports of labile phytoplanktonic carbon generated in the adjacent ocean during upwelling. A net flux of organic carbon of 30×106 mol C yr−1 was estimated from Box C, adjacent to the ocean, to Box B, locally known as Bahia Falsa, which is the area designated for oyster aquaculture in the lagoon. It is estimated that this net organic carbon supply is almost equivalent to the annual oyster food demand; our estimate is that oyster aquaculture in San Quintin Bay accounts for the vast majority of the net heterotrophy of Bahia Falsa.

Humans, Hydrology, and the Distribution of Inorganic Nutrient Loading to the Ocean

Most modern estimates of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus delivery to the ocean use Meybeck's estimates from approximately 30 large rivers. We have derived an extended database of approximately 165 sites with nutrient loads. For both dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), the logarithmic yields (log [load/area]) can be parameterized as functions of log (population density) and log (runoff/area) (R2 for DIN and DIP approximately 0.6). Landscape production of DIN and DIP is largely assimilated. Even though DIN and DIP follow substantially different biogeochemical cycles, loading for DIN and DIP is tightly coupled (R2 for log DIN versus log DIP approximately 0.8), with a constant loading ratio of about 18:1. Estimates of DIN and DIP fluxes are distributed globally around the world coastlines by using basin population density and runoff at 0.5° increments of latitude and longitude. We estimate that total loads for the 1990s are about three times Meybeck's estimates for the 1970s.