Phosphite in Sedimentary Interstitial Water of Lake Taihu, a Large Eutrophic Shallow Lake in China

The seasonal occurrence and distribution of phosphite (HPO32-), in sedimentary interstitial water from Lake Taihu was monitored from 2011 to 2012 to better understand its possible link to P Cycle in the eutrophic shallow lake. Phosphite concentrations ranged from <, MDL to 14.32 +/- 0.19 mu g P/kg with a mean concentration of 1.58 +/- 0.33 mu g P/kg, which accounts for 5.51%; total soluble P (TSPs) in surficial, sediments (0-20 CM). Spatially, the concentrations of sedimentary phosphite in the lake's northern areas were relatively higher than those in the southern. areas. Higher phosphite concentrations were always observed in seriously polluted sites. Generally, phosphite in the deeper layers (20-40 cm and 40-60 cm) showed minor fluctuations compared to that in the surficial sediments, which may be associated with the frequent exchange. at the sediment water-interface. Phosphite concentrations in surficial: or core sediments decreased as spring > autumn > summer > winter. Higher phosphite levels occurred in the areas with loiver redox (Eh); higher P Contents, and particularly when metal bonded with P. to form Al-P-s and Ca-Tp(s). Phosphite may be an important media in the P biogeochemical cycle in Lake Taihu and contribute to its internal P transportation.