Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The role of the ironhydroxide-phosphate-sulphide system in the phosphate exchange between sediments and overlying water

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The accumulation of inorganic phosphate in lake sediments and a possible following release is due to the adsorption of phosphate onto Fe(OOH) and, especially in hard waters, to the precipitation of apatite. Attempts are made to quantify both processes.

For the quantification of the P adsorbed, Pads, onto Fe(OOH) the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, Pads=A(o-P)B, gave good results. The constants A and B could be quantified. Constant A appeared to depend on the pH and the Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations in the water. Constant B appeared to approach 0.333. The full equation becomes then: % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0dh9WrFfpC0xh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf% ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr% 0-vqpWqaaeaabaGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiaadcfadaWgaa% WcbaGaamyyaiaadsgacaWGZbaabeaakiabg2da9iaaikdacaaIZaGa% aGOnaiaaicdacaaIWaGaaiOlaiaacIcacaaIXaGaaGimamaaCaaale% qabaGaaGimaiaac6cacaaI0aacbiGaa8hCaiaa-HeaaaGccaGGPaGa% aiikaiaaikdacaGGUaGaaG4naiaaiEdacqGHsislcaaIXaGaaiOlai% aaiEdacaaI3aGaai4oaiaadwgadaahaaWcbeqaaiabgkHiTiaa-nea% caWFHbaaaOGaaiykamaakeaabaGaam4BaiabgkHiTiaadcfaaSqaai% aaiodaaaaaaa!57AF!\[P_{ads} = 23600.(10^{0.4pH} )(2.77 - 1.77;e^{ - Ca} )\sqrt[3]{{o - P}}\]. with the Ca concentration in mmol l−1 and the o-P and Pads concentrations in mg l−1.

For the quantification of the solubility of calcium-bound phosphate the solubility product of apatite being 10−50, as found in the two hard water rivers Rhine and Rhone, was used. With this solubility product the solubility of o-P can be calculated as function of the Ca2+ concentration and the pH. The two equations, for adsorption and precipitation, are put together in a so-called solubility diagramme, which describes the o-P concentration as function of the Fe(OOH) concentration in the sediments, and the pH and the Ca2+ concentration in the overlying water.

The release of phosphate from the Fe(OOH)≈P complex under anoxic conditions after adding H2S in inorganic suspensions was shown to be limited. Only when a large excess of H2S was added there was some release, but if less than 75% of the Fe(OOH) was converted into FeS, there was no release. The possibility of organic phosphate as the source of phosphate release under anoxic conditions is discussed. For a full understanding of this possibility, fractionation of sediment bound phosphate must be carried out in such a way, that these organic phosphates are not hydrolysed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beek, J., W. H. Van Riemsdijk & K. Koenders, 1980. Aluminium and iron fractions affecting phosphate bonding in a sandy soil treated with sewage water. In. A. Banin & U. Kafkai (eds), Proc. Symp. Agrochemicals in Soils. Pergamon Press. 369–378.

  • Bostrøm, B., M. Jansson & C. Forsberg, 1982. Phosphorus release from lake sediments. Arch. Hydrobiol. Beih. Ergebn. Limnol. 18: 5–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkman, A. G., 1993. A double-layer model for ion adsorption onto metal oxides, applied to experimental data and to natural sediments of Lake Veluwe, The Netherlands. Hydrobiologia 253: 31–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caraco, N. F., J. J. Cole & G. E. Likens, 1993. Sulfate control of phosphorus availability in lakes. Hydrobiologia 253: 275–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Danen-Louwerse, H., L. Lijklema & M. Coenraats, 1993. Iron content of sediment and phosphate adsorption process. Hydrobiologia 253: 311–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Groot, C. J., 1991. The influence of FeS on the inorganic phosphate system in sediments. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. Vol. 23, 3029–3035.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Groot C. J. & A. C. Fabre, 1993. The impact of desiccation of a freshwater marsh (Garcines Nord, Camargue, France) on the sediment water vegetation interactions. Part 3. The fractional composition and the phosphate adsorption characteristics of the sediment. Hydrobiologia, 252: 105–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Groot, C. J. & H. L. Golterman, 1990. Sequential fractionation of sediment phosphate. Hydrobiologia 192: 143–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Groot, C.J. & H. L. Golterman, 1993. On the presence of organic phosphate in some Camargue sediments: evidence for the importance of phytate. Hydrobiologia 252: 117–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Jonge, V. N., M. M. Engelkes & J. F. Bakker, 1993. Bioavailability of phosphorus in sediments of the western Dutch Wadden Sea. Hydrobiologia 253: 151–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Montigny, C. & Y. T. Prairie, 1993. The relative importance of biological and chemical processes in the release of phosphorus from a highly organic sediment. Hydrobiologia 253: 141–150.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, W., 1936. Ueber die Beziehungen des Eisenkreislaufs zum Phosphatkreislauf im eutrophen See. Arch. Hydrobiol. 29: 664–686.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, W., 1938. Ueber chemische und kolloidchemische Vorgängen in Eisen-Phosphat Systemen unter limnochemischen und limnogeologischen Gesichtspunkten. Arch. Hydrobiol. 33: 361–387.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, W. & H. Vetter, 1938. Unterschugungen über die Entwicklung der physikalischen und chemischen Verhältnisse im Jahreszyklus in einem mässig eutrophen See (Schlwinsee bei Langenargen). Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. Hydrogr. 36: 285–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox, L. E., 1993. The chemistry of aquatic phosphate: inorganic processes in rivers. Hydrobiologia 254: 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Froelich, P. N., 1988. Kinetic control of dissolved phosphate in natural rivers and estuaries: A primer on the phosphate buffer mechanism. Limnol Oceanogr. 33: 649–668.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gächter, R., J. S. Meyer & A. Mares, 1988. Contribution of bacteria to release and fixation of phosphorus in lake sediments. Limn. Oceanol. 33: 1542–1559.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gächter, R. & J. S. Meyer, 1993. The role of microorganisms in mobilization and fixation of phosphorus in sediments. Hydrobiologia 253: 103–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1967. Influence of the mud on the chemistry of water in relation to productivity. In: Golterman H. L. & R. S. Clymo (eds), Chemical Environment in the aquatic habitat. Proceedings of an I.B.P. Symposium, 10–16 Oct. 1966. Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1973a. Vertical movement of phosphate in freshwater. In: Griffith, E. A., A. Beeton, J. M. Spencer & D. T. Mitchell (eds), Environmental Phosphate Handbook. Wiley & Sons, 718 pp.

  • Golterman, H. L., 1975. The sediments and their importance, relative to the inflows, as a source of nutrients for the growth of algae. Paper 3, In: Symposium ‘The effects of Storage on Water Quality.’ Water Research Centre, Medmenham Laboratory, Medmenham.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1984. Sediments, modifying and equilibrating factors in the chemistry of freshwaters. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 22: 23–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1988. The calcium- and iron bound phosphate phase diagram. Hydrobiologia 159: 149–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1991. Reflections on post-OECD eutrophication models. Hydrobiologia 218: 167–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1992. Colorimetric determination of sulphate in freshwater with a chromate reagent. Hydrobiologia 228: 111–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., 1994a. The labyrinth of nutrient cycles and buffers in wetlands: results based on research in the Camargue (Southern France). Hydrobiologia, in press.

  • Golterman, H. L., 1994b. The adsorption of ortho-phosphate onto Ironhydroxide. Cyclostiled report, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat.

  • Golterman, H.L., R. S. Clymo & M. A. M. Ohnstad, 1978. Methods for physical and chemical analysis of freshwaters, IBP Manual N° 8 (2nd edn.). Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 213 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L. & A. Booman, 1988. Sequential extraction of iron-phosphate and calcium- phosphate from sediments by chelating agents. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 23: 904–909.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L. & M. L. Meyer, 1985. The geochemistry of two hard water rivers, the Rhine and the Rhone. Part 4. The apparent solubility product of hydroxy-apatite. Hydrobiologia 126: 25–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golterman, H. L., A. B. Viner & G. F. Lee., 1977. Preface. In. Golterman H. L. (ed.), Interactions between Sediments and Freshwater. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague. 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gosh, A. K., J. C. Gosh & B. Prasad, 1980. The third dissociation constant of phosphoric acid from 283.15 K to 323.15 K. J. Indian Chem. Soc. LVII: 1194–1199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunatilaka, A., 1982. Phosphate adsorption kinetics of resuspended sediments in a shallow lake, Neusiedlersee, Austria. Hydrobiologia 92: 293–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hepher, B., 1952. The fertilization of fishponds. 1. Phosphates. Bamidgeh. 4: 131–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hepher, B., 1958. On the dynamics of phosphorus added to fish ponds in Israel. Limnol. Oceanogr. 3: 84–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, J. R., 1964. Sea Water. Saturation with apatites and carbonates. Science, 146: 637–638.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mesnage, V. & B. Picot, 1995. The distribution of phosphate in sediments and its relation with eutrophication of a mediterranean coastal lagoon. Hydrobiologia 297: 29–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moutin, T., B. Picot, M. C. Ximenes & J. Bontoux, 1993. Seasonal variations of P compounds and their concentrations in two coastal lagoons (Hérault, France). Hydrobiologia 252: 45–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortimert, C. H., 1941. The exchange of dissolved substances between mud and water in lakes. J. Ecol. 29: 280–329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortimer, C. H., 1942. The exchange of dissolved substances between mud and water in lakes. J. Ecol. 30: 147–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, G. F., 1977. In: Golterman H. L. (ed.), Interactions between Sediments and Freshwater. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 313–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lijklema, L. 1977. The role of iron in the exchange of phosphate between water and sediment. In: Golterman H. L. (ed.), Interactions between Sediments and Freshwater. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 313–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lijklema, L., 1980. Interaction of orthophosphate with Iron(III) and Aluminum Hydroxides. Envir. Sci. & Technol. 14: 537–541.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, S., 1964. Phosphate equilibrium between reduced sediments and water, laboratory experiments with radioactive phosphorus. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 13: 915–922.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stumm W. & J. J. Morgan, 1981. Aquatic chemistry, 2nd edn. Wiley-Interscience, New York, 780 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, E. A., 1965. Phosphat-Elimination in der Belebtschlammanlage von Männedorf und Phosphat-Fixation in See- and Klärschlamm. Vierteljahrsschr. Naturforsch. Ges. Zurich 110: 419–434.

    Google Scholar 

  • Twinch, A. J. & C. M. Breen, 1982. Vertical stratification in sediments from a young oligotrophic South African impoundment: implications in phosphorus cycling. Hydrobiologia 92: 395–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Syers J. K. & D. Curtin, 1989. Inorganic reactions controlling phosphorus cycling. In: Thiessen, H. (ed.), Phosphorus Cycles in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems. Proceeding of a SCOPE Workshop, May 1988, Czemiejewo, Poland. Saskatchewan Insitute of Pedology, Saskatoon, Canada, 339 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Partin, R. L., 1978. Anion adsorption by soils and soil materials. Adv. Agron. 30: 1–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parfitt, R. L., J. D. Russel & V. C. Farmer, 1976. Confirmation of the surface structures of goethite (αFeOOH) and phosphated goethite by infrared spectroscopy. J. Chem. Soc. Farad. Trans. 72: 1082–1087.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Remy, A., 1956. Treatise on inorganic chemistry, 1. Elsevier, Amsterdam/London. pp. 624–5 & 638. 866 pp.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, le Sambuc, F-13200, Arles, France

    H. L. Golterman

Authors
  1. H. L. Golterman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This article is dedicated to the memory of Dr Kees de Groot, who died on 21 September 1994. He was a young enthusiastic, promising scientist who will be missed by all who have known him.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Golterman, H.L. The role of the ironhydroxide-phosphate-sulphide system in the phosphate exchange between sediments and overlying water. Hydrobiologia 297, 43–54 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00033500

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00033500

Key words

Search

Navigation