River phosphorus transport

Meybeck, M., 1982. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus transport by major world rivers. Amer. 3. Sci., 282 401-501. 

Selective extractions, chemical equilibria calculations, and crystallization measurements presented here imply that the hydrous iron oxides, even in the carbonate dominated Genesee River, play a major part in inorganic phosphorus transport by sediments in the fluvial system. Saturation levels of inorganic phosphate and calcium carbonate minerals in the Genesee River... 

Phosphorus transport in the Genesee River, expressed as instantaneous unit load of total water column phosphorus, shows... 

Differences in river basin morphology, soil characteristics, rainfall, and land use in a watershed Influence phosphorus transport in a fluvial system. However, the dominance of iron oxides as an inorganic phosphate sink and the discharge dependent behavior of calcium carbonate-phosphate minerals found in this study would be expected to exist in other calcareous agricultural regions of New York State as well. Mountainous terrain and areas of sand and muck soil would probably not exhibit the same behavior. It would seem that the results of this study could also apply to other agricultural watersheds adjacent to the North American Great Lakes. 

Meybeck, M. 1982. "Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus transport by world rivers." American Journal of Science 282 401-450. 

The mining of phosphate rock (mostly from terrestrially emplaced marine phosphorite deposits) for use as agricultural fertilizer has increased dramatically in the latter half of this century (F72). In addition to fertilizer use, deforestation, increased cultivation, urban and industrial waste disposal all have enhanced phosphorus transport from terrestrial to aquatic systems, often with deleterious results. For example, elevated phosphorus concentrations in rivers resulting from these activities have resulted in eutrophication in some lakes and coastal areas, stimulating nuisance algal blooms and promoting hypoxic or anoxic conditions harmful or lethal to natural populations (e.g., Caraco, 1995 Fisher et al., 1995 Melack, 1995). 

The most important flux of the freshwater phosphorus cycle is the large amount of phosphorus transported by river runoff. This flux has been esti-... 

Unlike other biogeochemical elements, phosphorus does not have a significant atmospheric reservoir. Thus, while some amount of phosphorus is occasionally dissolved in rain, this does not represent an important link in the phosphorus cycle. River runoff is the primary means of transport between the land surface and oceans, and unlike the other elements discussed. 

In a steady-state ocean the sediment deposition rate of a nutrient like phosphorus ought to be balanced by riverbome influx to the oceans 1.5. 0Tg P are transported to the oceans by rivers (Richey, 1983). Assuming a C/P molar... 

In a general way, the overall movement of phosphorus on the continents can be considered as the constant water erosion of rock and transport of P in both particulate and dissolved forms with surface runoff to river channels and further to the oceans. The intermediate transformations are connected with uptake of P as a nutrient by... 

White phosphorus enters the environment when industries make it or use it to make other chemicals and when the military uses it as ammunition. It also enters the environment from spills during storage and transport. Because of the discharge of waste water, white phosphorus is likely to be found in the water and bottom deposits of rivers and lakes near facilities that make or use it. It may also be found at sites where the military uses phosphorus-containing ammunition during training exercises. Rainwater washout of these sites may contaminate nearby waterways and their bottom deposits. Hazardous waste sites that contain white phosphorus are also potential sources of exposure to people. However, because white phosphorus reacts very quickly with oxygen in the air, it may not be found far away from sources of contamination. 

McKee, L.J., Eyre, B.D., and Hossan, S. (2000) Transport and retention of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sub-tropical Richmond River estuary, Australia. Biogeochemistry 50, 241-278. 

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