Abstract
Studies of authigenic phosphorus (P) minerals in marine sediments typically focus on authigenic carbonate fluorapatite, which is considered to be the major sink for P in marine environments. The role of other potentially important authigenic P phases, such as the reduced iron (Fe) phosphate mineral vivianite (Fe(II)3(PO4)*8H2O) has so far largely been ignored.
By combining the SEDEX method with more direct analytical tools, we show that vivianite represents a major burial sink for P below a shallow sulfate/methane transition zone in Bothnian Sea sediments, accounting for up to 50 % of total P burial. Our results demonstrate that anaerobic oxidation of methane drives a sink-switching from Fe-oxide bound P to vivianite. Methane thus plays a key role for P burial in these coastal surface sediments. We further suggest that vivianite formation may provide an important burial sink for P in many brackish coastal environments worldwide.
By combining the SEDEX method with more direct analytical tools, we show that vivianite represents a major burial sink for P below a shallow sulfate/methane transition zone in Bothnian Sea sediments, accounting for up to 50 % of total P burial. Our results demonstrate that anaerobic oxidation of methane drives a sink-switching from Fe-oxide bound P to vivianite. Methane thus plays a key role for P burial in these coastal surface sediments. We further suggest that vivianite formation may provide an important burial sink for P in many brackish coastal environments worldwide.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Event | Nutrient Cycling in the Ancient & Modern Environments - Leeds, United Kingdom Duration: 5 Jul 2015 → 7 Jul 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | Nutrient Cycling in the Ancient & Modern Environments |
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| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Leeds |
| Period | 5/07/15 → 7/07/15 |