Phosphorus distribution in sediments of Edava-Nadayara and Paravur lake systems along the south west coast of India

Abstract

Total P in the sediments increase with increasing percentage of organic carbon and high correlation was seen in the retting zone. Total P concentration in the sediments ranges from 46:8 to 82 mu g-at.g(-1) in retting zone and from 28.4 to 49.8 mu g-at.g(-1) in non-retting zone of Edava-Nadayara and Paravur lake systems. Neither clay content nor calcium content appear to be significantly correlated with variation in total inorganic phosphorus content in the sediments of these lakes. CDB-P was found to be a major constituent of the sediment inorganic phosphorus reservoir in these lakes. Iron content was found to be significantly correlated with variation in NaOH-P in the lake sediments of non-retting zone.