Nearshore abundance of dissolved and sedimented forms of phosphorus

Abstract

Different forms of dissolved and sediment phosphates, both adsorbed and interstitial, were determined in the highly productive coastal waters of the Indian Ocean. Both inorganic and organic phosphate of the above fractions covered in this paper reveal the extent of inter-dependency as well as exemplify the role of sediment based nutrients to influence the biorhythm in the overlying waters. The area of study in the mudbank regions of Kerala coast, (South India) is subjected to seasonal changes in its physics and hydrochemistry variability and is a natural, dynamic situation (compared to a neighbourhood location of relative quietude) exhibiting features of catalysing the release of sediment bound phosphate depending on its utilisation, via bioturbation. The organic phosphate pool plays a crucial role, wherein it acts as a 'inducer' in the triggering mechanism of aquatic life in this coastal zone.Abbreviations: The editor's abbreviations are used (see page vi). Thus inorg-Pdi,, = dissolved inorganic phosphate. Furthermore: inorg-Pin t = interstitial inorganic phosphate.

Aquatic sediments

“…Phosphate fractions from a dynamic mudbank region of South India, were measured. Seasonal variations were discussed (Nair et aI., 1993), as well as the tight coupling to the biorhythm of the overlying waters (Nair and Balchand, 1993b). A biomanipulated lake with no reduction of external loadings, showed dramatic changes in phosphorus and nitrogen distributions (van Donk et al, 1993).…”