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The influence of particle size and mineralogy on both phosphorus retention and release by streambed sediments

  • Simon D. V. ClarendonEmail author
  • David M. Weaver
  • Peter M. Davies
  • Neil A. Coles
Sediments, Sec 2 • Physical and Biogeochemical Processes • Research Article
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Abstract

Purpose

In many streams worldwide including those on the south coast of Western Australia (WA), sediments of the > 2-mm fraction often contribute up to 50% of the streambed. However, most analysis and interpretation of sediment chemistry, including phosphorus (P), is conducted on the < 2-mm fraction as this fraction is considered the most chemically reactive. This paper aims to identify the contribution of the > 2-mm fraction to P retention and release in sandy-gravely streams.

Material and methods

Sediment samples were collected from streams in agricultural catchments, and P retention and release by the < 2-mm and > 2-mm (typically lateritic; iron rich) sediment fractions were examined using fluvarium and batch experiments. Phosphorus sorbed by sediment was estimated on a mass (mg P kg−1) and area basis (mg P m−2).

Results and discussion

Phosphorus sorption measurements suggested that mineralogy as well as particle size were important factors influencing P retention by stream sediments. Stream sediments retained approximately 30% of added P. In a desorption phase, approximately 8% of the retained P was released into stream water.

Conclusions

Stream sediments in south western WA appear to be net immobilisers of P, retaining more P than they release, dependent on the stream P concentration. Exclusion of the > 2-mm fraction when determining stream sediment P dynamics may therefore underestimate whole stream sediment P retention and release.

Keywords

Lateritic Particle size Phosphorus Sediment Surface area 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

We thank the landowners who kindly allowed us to access their properties for sample collection.

Funding information

This work was supported with research funding from the WA State Centre of Excellence for Ecohydrology, UWA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Dvelopment and received financial support from the University of Western Australia through University Postgraduate Award and Top-up scholarships.

Supplementary material

11368_2019_2267_MOESM1_ESM.docx (19 kb)
ESM 1 (DOCX 19.1 kb)
11368_2019_2267_MOESM2_ESM.docx (19 kb)
ESM 2 (DOCX 18.8 kb)

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  • Simon D. V. Clarendon
    • 1
    • 2
    Email author
  • David M. Weaver
    • 3
  • Peter M. Davies
    • 4
    • 5
  • Neil A. Coles
    • 6
    • 7
  1. 1.Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource ManagementThe University of Western AustraliaAlbanyAustralia
  2. 2.Department of Primary Industries New South WalesCalalaAustralia
  3. 3.Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentAlbanyAustralia
  4. 4.School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western Australia (M460)CrawleyAustralia
  5. 5.Murdoch UniversityMurdochAustralia
  6. 6.School of Geography, Faculty of Earth and EnvironmentUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
  7. 7.Institute of AgricultureThe University of Western Australia (M460)CrawleyAustralia

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