Water-column responses phosphorus

Detenbeck (37) and Detenbeck and Brezonik (38, 39) examined the effect of pH on phosphorus sorption for LRL sediments. Their results suggested that the flux of inorganic P from sediments could be diminished by as much as 90% if the pH of sediments decreased from 6.0 to 4.5. However, there was no observed treatment effect for TP and an apparent increase in SRP summer averages at pH 4.7 (Figure 4). Therefore, chemical sorption-desorption processes probably do not control phosphorus levels in LRL. The direction of response at lower pH implies that the balance between biotic uptake, deposition to sediments, and release from organic detritus by decomposition most likely controls SRP levels in the water column. 

Residence Times. Phosphorus residence times with respect to major depositional processes (see Tables II and IV) are summarized in Table VI. In comparison, the total-P residence time based on external loading is about 4.5 years. Residence times were calculated for a mean water-column depth of 85 m, and steady state was assumed. Although transport of P to the sediment surface by the combination of diatoms, calcite, and terrigenous material is relatively rapid, the low burial efficiency results in a relatively long residence time for total P (about 5 years). In comparison, the residence time for Pb is about 0.6 years (20). Thus, the response time for P changes with respect to loading should be on the order of 5-15 years. 

Periphyton is abundant in oligotrophic areas of the Everglades and is responsible for significant primary production and phosphorus storage. In these systems, periphyton productivity and tissue phosphorus concentration are strongly related to phosphorus concentration of the water column. 

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