Determination of phosphorous and nitrogen in the sediment of lake 'Pamvotis' (Greece)

Phosphorous and nitrogen nutrients in the sediment of the lake Pamvotis were determined by standard methods of analysis. The pore water of the sediment was also analyzed for orthophosphate, ammonia and nitrate content. The results give evidence that nutrient phosphorus content of the sediment is increased at the summer periods and with nitrogen content being available during the whole year gives eutrophic behavior in the lake waters. However, the winter rains reduce the phosphorous content during the spring months. The phosphorus is introduced into the lake by agricultural runoffs and by trenches from urban areas. Several isolated events originating from activities of the inhabitants of the small island and the human activities around the lake give rise to temporary pollution of the lake waters.