Characterising phosphorus loss in surface and subsurface hydrological pathways

Heathwaite, A. L. and Dils, R. M. (2000) Characterising phosphorus loss in surface and subsurface hydrological pathways. Science of the Total Environment, 251-25 (1). pp. 523-538. ISSN 1879-1026

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Abstract

The magnitude and composition of the phosphorus (P) load transported in surface and subsurface hydrological pathways from a grassland catchment depends on the discharge capacity of the flow route and the frequency with which the pathway operates. Surface runoff is an important pathway for P loss, but this pathway is spatially limited and temporarily confined to high magnitude, high intensity rainfall events. High P concentrations (mean: 1.1 mg TP l−1) were recorded, with most P transported in the dissolved fraction. Preferential flow pathways, particularly soil macropores and field drains, are important contributors to the overall P load; most P is transported in the particulate fraction and associated with organic or colloidal P forms. High P concentrations (mean: 1.2 mg TP l−1) were recorded in macropore flow in the upper 0–15 cm of a grassland soil, and generally declined with increasing soil depth. On average, P concentrations in drainflow were over six times greater in stormflow compared to baseflow. Stormflow P losses in drainflow were predominantly in the particulate fraction; significant correlation (P<0.01) was recorded with suspended sediment concentrations in drainflow. Phosphorus concentrations in groundwater were low (<0.2 mg TP l−1 at 150 cm), although this pathway may contribute to stream flow for the majority of the year.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Science of the Total Environment
Additional Information:
5 May 2000 Characterising phosphorus loss in surface and subsurface hydrological pathways 83 cites: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?num=100&hl=en&lr=&cites=11117765911240498587
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2300/2304
Subjects:
?? non-point source pollutionphosphorus surface runoff drainflow groundwater macropores grassland agricultureenvironmental chemistrypollutionenvironmental engineeringwaste management and disposal ??
ID Code:
49705
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
13 Sep 2011 13:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 12:18