Dynamics of phosphorus forms in the bottom sediments and their interstitial water for the Prut River (Moldova)

Phosphorus concentration in rivers results from both external inputs and internal loading from the bottom sediments. Seasonal, spatial, and multi-annual dynamics of phosphorus forms in bottom sediments and their interstitial water for the river Prut (Moldova) were evaluated. In order to determine content of total phosphorus in the bottom sediments, fresh (wet) samples were subjected to persulfate oxidation. The content of inorganic phosphorus was determined after acidic oxidation of samples. The amount of organic phosphorus was obtained by subtracting inorganic phosphorus from the amount of total phosphorus. Content of phosphorus forms in interstitial water was determined after centrifugation of fresh (wet) sediments. In general, the shape of dynamics of the amounts of inorganic phosphorus in sediments was close during years 2009, 2010, and 2011, with registered higher contents of this form on the middle course of the river. The spatial dynamics of organic phosphorus is less homogeneous along the Prut River. During 2009, higher amounts of organic phosphorus were recorded on the middle sector. During the spring of year 2010, the content of organic phosphorus in sediments was practically not changed along the river. The ratio of inorganic/organic phosphorus in bottom sediments was similar during the researched years, with the predominance of the inorganic phosphorus being recorded. Also, the increasing tendency of the percentage of organic phosphorus from spring to summer was identified. Generally, appropriate spatial and seasonal dynamics of phosphorus forms in bottom sediments and their interstitial water were recorded, although sometimes with some differences.