Mechanisms and risks of joint control of nitrogen and phosphorus through sediment capping technology in a pilot-scale study

Purpose Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the key elements leading to eutrophication, and it is important to jointly control N and P release from sediments into the water column. Methods Different mixed materials including P sorbent, natural organic carbon (C), and an oxidizing agent were applied in a 1-year pilot-scale experiment. Results The addition of iron-rich (IR) clay and Phoslock agent promoted the formation of iron bound P (Fe(OOH)similar to P) and calcium bound P (CaCO3 similar to P) in sediments, respectively. IR clay offered more advantages in immobilization of phosphorus as refractory P, and the Phoslock agent more effectively reduced the risk of P release into water, which was expressed as a low equilibrium P concentration (EPC0). Mixtures of sugarcane (SU) detritus and IR clay exhibited high carbohydrate (CHO) contents, which further fuelled both denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). This indicated that the SU dosage should be controlled to avoid DNRA over denitrification. Attention should be given to the fact that SU introduction significantly promoted the generation of an anaerobic state, leading to the desorption and release of Fe(OOH)similar to P, which could be alleviated by using Oxone. Multienzyme activity analysis showed that P and N transformation shifted from P desorption to organic P hydrolysis and from ammonification to denitrification and DNRA, respectively. Conclusion We recommend the use of P sorbent and organic C combined with oxidizing agents as effective mixed materials for sediment remediation, which could enhance P adsorption and provide electron donors for denitrification, while also avoiding the generation of anoxia.

Automated summary

This study found that iron-rich clay and Phoslock agent can effectively promote phosphorus immobilization in sediments and reduce phosphorus release risk by adding an oxidizing agent. The mixture of sugarcane detritus and IR clay impacted denitrification and DNRA, requiring control of the SU dosage to prevent excessive DNRA. The use of P sorbent and organic C combined with oxidizing agents is recommended for sediment remediation to enhance P adsorption, provide electron donors for denitrification, and avoid anoxic conditions.