Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
06:42
Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
[Phosphorus output characteristics under different rainfall-runoffs in Gaolan River]
Yu-Jie Cui1, De-Fu Liu, Lin-Xu Song
1College of Hydraulic & Environmental Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China. cuida2008@163.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|May 15, 2013
Summary
Heavy rainfall significantly impacts phosphorus runoff in the Gaolan River watershed. "Pointed thin" rain causes rapid increases in total phosphorus and soil erosion, while "squat" rain contributes more phosphorus overall due to its longer duration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Water Quality
Background:
- Understanding phosphorus dynamics is crucial for managing water quality in river systems.
- The Three Gorges Reservoir watershed faces challenges from varied rainfall patterns and nutrient loading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of phosphorus forms and flux during rainfall-induced runoff.
- To identify and differentiate phosphorus loading from point and non-point sources.
- To analyze the impact of different rainfall intensities on phosphorus dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic monitoring of water quantity and quality during varied rainfall events.
- Analysis of phosphorus concentrations (total phosphorus, dissolved total phosphorus, orthophosphate) and flux.
- Identification of phosphorus sources (point vs. non-point).
Main Results:
- Rainfall-runoff dynamics varied significantly between "squat" and "pointed thin" rain events.
- Heavy rainfall, especially "pointed thin" rain, led to increased total phosphorus concentration and flux due to soil erosion.
- Non-point sources accounted for 90% of phosphorus loading during heavy rainfall.
- "Squat" rain contributed more phosphorus overall due to its prolonged duration despite lower peak concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Rainfall intensity and duration are key factors influencing phosphorus runoff and water quality.
- Non-point source pollution is the dominant contributor to phosphorus loading in the studied watershed.
- Effective watershed management strategies must consider different rainfall patterns to mitigate phosphorus pollution.
Related Concept Videos
01:21The Phosphorus Cycle
Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
01:26Regulation of Water Output
The human body predominantly expels water through the urinary system. On average, an individual generates around 1.5 liters of urine each day. This amount can fluctuate based on how well a person is hydrated, but a critical minimum quantity of urine must be produced to ensure the body's proper functioning. Daily, the kidneys remove 600 to 1200 milliosmoles of dissolved substances, effectively excreting excess minerals and water-soluble toxins such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid from the...
01:30Underflow Gates
Underflow gates are vital for controlling water flow in irrigation canals. The three main types of underflow gates — vertical, radial, and drum gates — serve different purposes while ensuring effective flow management. Vertical gates move up and down, generating a free-flowing water jet; radial gates pivot to regulate the flow; and drum gates rotate for precise adjustments. The flow through these gates is influenced by downstream conditions, resulting in free or drowned outflow.Free and Drowned...
04:01Factors Affecting Solubility
Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion (one also produced by dissolution of the ionic compound). This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common ion effect, which is a consequence of the law of mass action that may be explained using Le Chȃtelier’s principle. Consider the dissolution of silver iodide:
01:06Primary Production
The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.