A review of the role of bed deposits in the phosphate eutrophication of lakes and rivers

Abstract

The distribution of phosphates in fresh waters is briefly discussed and the different phosphorus cycles are mentioned. The chemistry of phosphorus in lakes is reviewed with special reference to the extraction methods used for the fractionation of phosphorus in soils and sediments. The models of the sediment‐water exchange are also discussed together with their environmental implications. The relevant publications on the adsorption by and desorption from sediments, especially clays, are reviewed with special reference to the adsorption mechanism on clays and the oxides of Fe and Al. The important topic of the desorption of phosphate from the relevant minerals and soils is presented with special reference to the effects of the sediment and water parameters affecting the release of phosphate from sediments.