Phosphorus in sediments and pore waters of selected Polish dam reservoirs

This study aimed to examine and explain the spatial distribution of total phosphorus in sediments and orthophosphates in interstitial water in four Polish dam reservoirs with varying hydrological and geochemical characteristics. The results are linked to physicochemical parameters of sediments: organic matter and calcium carbonates content, pH, redox potential and conductivity.

In two of the studied reservoirs hydrological dynamics were a driving force in phosphorus circulation, despite the big difference in their mean water retention times, and interactions with Ca and Fe were of secondary importance

In other reservoirs with complicated shorelines and reservoir beds, due to water flow disturbance the hydrological impact was not as pronounced. Geochemical processes, such as precipitation of phosphorus associated with Ca+2, Fe(III) or in complexed with humic substances became more significant.