Using oxygen isotopes of phosphate to trace phosphorus sources and cycling in lake Erie

Environmental Science & Technology
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Water samples collected during three sampling trips to Lake Erie displayed oxygen isotopic values of dissolved phosphate (δ18Op) that were largely out of equilibrium with ambient conditions, indicating that source signatures may be discerned. δ18Op values in the Lake ranged from +10‰ to +17‰, whereas the equilibrium value was expected to be around +14‰. The riverine weighted average δ18Op value was +11‰ and may represent one source of phosphate to the Lake. The lake δ18Op values indicated that there must be one or more as yet uncharacterized source(s) of phosphate with a high δ18Op value. Potential sources other than rivers are not yet well-characterized with respect to δ18O of phosphate, but we speculate that a likely source may be the release of phosphate from sediments under reducing conditions created during anoxic events in the hypolimnion of the central basin of Lake Erie. Identifying potential phosphorus sources to the Lake is vital for designing effective management plans for reducing nutrient inputs and associated eutrophication.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Using oxygen isotopes of phosphate to trace phosphorus sources and cycling in lake Erie
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/es8034126
Volume 43
Issue 9
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher ACS
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 7 p.
First page 3108
Last page 3114
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details