Chemical speciation of phosphorus in surface sediments from the Jiangsu Coast, East China: Influences, provenances and bioavailabilities

Sixty-one surface sediment samples collected from the Jiangsu Coast (JSC), East China were investigated to explore the influences, provenances and bioavailabilities of P species. Authigenic and detrital P fractions were the dominant species, accounting for 28.53% and 44.04% of the total P content, respectively. Exchangeable, Febound and organic P fractions were biologically available, with an average total of 5.94 mu mol/g; this value was governed by grain sizes and the organic matter and carbonate contents. Exchangeable and organic P fractions were transformed between each other, while contributing to the formation of Fe-bound and authigenic P. Phosphorus in the JSC sediments originated mainly from the Yellow River. The unique distribution pattern of P species in the JSC depends on P sources and local environments. These findings improve our understanding of the P cycle and eutrophication in the Jiangsu Coastal Zone.

Automated summary

The study found that phosphorus in sediments along the Jiangsu Coast primarily originates from the Yellow River, with the distribution pattern of phosphorus species dependent on both phosphorus sources and local environments. Biologically available phosphorus species mainly include exchangeable and organic phosphorus fractions, which are overall influenced by sediment grain sizes and organic matter content.