Effect of pH on the Release of Phosphorus from Potomac River Sediments

摘要

Recurring algal blooms in the freshwater portion of the Potomac River indicate an association between chlorophyll, high phosphorus concentrations, and high pH of the water. In the present study, the release of phosphorus from sediments as a function of overlying water pH was measured at eight locations. Phosphate release under aerobic conditions was found to increase as a function of overlying water pH. The increased release of phosphate at high pH is likely due to solubilization from iron and aluminum phosphate complexes.