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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:49
Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
Published on: March 6, 2014
Hypertrophic lagoon management by sediment disturbance
Mauro Lenzi1, Francesca Birardi, Roberto Calzolai
1Lagoon Ecology and Aquaculture Laboratory, LEALab-OPL srl, v. G. Leopardi 9, 58015 Orbetello, Italy. lealab2@hotmail.com
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Sediment disturbance was tested to control eutrophication in a coastal lagoon. This method stabilized organic matter in disturbed zones but did not significantly alter water quality parameters.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Eutrophication Studies
Background:
- Eutrophication is a major environmental issue in coastal lagoons, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems.
- Sediment disturbance is a novel approach explored for mitigating eutrophication effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of sediment disturbance as a method for controlling eutrophication in a small coastal lagoon.
- To assess the impact of sediment resuspension on sediment properties and water column chemistry.
Main Methods:
- A specially designed boat was used to resuspend the top 3 cm of sediment over 3 months in designated lagoon areas.
- Sediment parameters (organic matter, porosity, density, redox potential, sulphides) and water column parameters (ammonium nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, pH) were monitored.
- Biomass of seaweed and seagrass was estimated monthly in relation to disturbed and undisturbed areas.
Main Results:
- Disturbed sediment areas showed stable organic matter content, while undisturbed areas exhibited an increase.
- Increased seaweed biomass was observed in areas distant from sediment disturbance zones.
- No significant changes were detected in the water column for ammonium nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, or pH.
Conclusions:
- Experimental sediment disturbance in a coastal lagoon stabilized organic matter in treated areas.
- The tested sediment resuspension method did not yield significant improvements in water column quality parameters.
- Further research may be needed to optimize sediment disturbance techniques for eutrophication control.
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