The use of sequential extraction techniques for sedimentary phosphorus in eastern Mediterranean sediments

L. M. Eijsink, M. D. Krom, G. J. De Lange

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The SEDEX method, a sequential extraction scheme for sedimentary phosphorus phases, was tested for use on eastern Mediterranean sediments using two in-house reference sediments. In addition a 2 M NH4Cl and a 0.1 M NaOH extraction were tested to extract CaCO3-associated and iron-bound P respectively. These methods were then applied to samples of a sediment core from the eastern Mediterranean (ABC26). The sum of extracted P phases of the reference sediments (and core ABC26) was not significantly different from total P and precision of each extraction was better then 17% (1s), except for detrital P and iron-bound P (extracted by CDB). The NaOH extraction dissolved only iron-oxides associated with the surface of minerals, while the CDB extraction dissolved a much larger fraction. In core ABC26, P produced in the sapropel layer (S1) appeared to have diffused both upwards and downwards. This P is now found as exchangeable+loosely bound P and as iron oxide bound P in the adjacent oxic sediments. There was evidence that P was released from CaCO3 P in the 'burn-down' zone which was affected by sulfide oxidation. The organic C/P molar ratio was ~400:1 in the sapropel while it was indeterminate for the oxic layers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)147-155
Number of pages9
JournalMarine Geology
Volume139
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Phosphorus
  • Sapropel
  • Sequential extraction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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