Spatial representation of in-stream sediment phosphorus release combining channel network approaches and in-situ experiments

Stutter, M. and Richards, S. and Ibiyemi, A. and Watson, H. (2021) Spatial representation of in-stream sediment phosphorus release combining channel network approaches and in-situ experiments. Science of the Total Environment, 795. ISSN 0048-9697

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Abstract

Impairment of rivers by elevated phosphorus (P) concentration is an issue often studied at outlets of mesoscale catchments. Our objective was to evaluate within-catchment spatio-temporal processes along connected reaches to understand processes of internal P loading associated with sediment input, accumulations in channels and sediment-water column P exchange. Our overall hypothesis was that heterogeneous sediment residence within the channel of a 52 km2 mixed land cover catchment resulted in key zones for sediment-water P exchange. We evaluated the channel network through ground-survey, spatial data methods establishing connectivity and energy gradients. This gave a background to understand sampling of sediments and P release/uptake to the water column using 90 s in-situ resuspension isolating a portion of streambed over five sets of three-location transects in May (spring storms, recent active erosion) and September (summer low flow, longer sediment residence). Simple transect position models (top, mid, bottom) predicted increased sediment resuspension yields and P contents in lower settings. Sediment P release following resuspension were mean (and range) 0.5 (−0.8 to 1.8) and 0.5 (−2.5 to 3.6) mg soluble reactive P/m2 bed in May and September, respectively, strengthening generally down the transects but inconsistently. Relationships (log form) showed a steepening rise in fine sediments, P content, background and disturbance-released dissolved P, with specific stream power < 40 W/m2. In-situ methods showed sediments dominantly (12 cases May, 13 cases Sep) as P sources capable of influencing dissolved P concentrations and with potential explanation that heterogeneous locations of internal P loading influence the systems longer-term observed P trends. Combining channel network, stream power assessment and in-situ sorption studies improved the understanding of influential zones of sediment-water P exchange within this mesoscale catchment. Such methods have potential to inform P model development and management.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Science of the Total Environment
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2300/2311
Subjects:
?? CHANNEL NETWORKPHOSPHORUSSEDIMENT-WATER EXCHANGESTREAM ENERGYCATCHMENTSLOADINGRIVERSRUNOFFMESOSCALE CATCHMENTSP CONTENTSPHOSPHORUS RELEASERE-SUSPENSIONSPATIAL REPRESENTATIONSSTREAM SEDIMENTSWATER COLUMNSSEDIMENTSENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRYPOLLUTIONENVIRONMENT ??
ID Code:
167799
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
21 Mar 2022 16:40
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
17 Sep 2023 03:05