Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2007ME108B

A 31P NMR investigation of phosphorus speciation in sediments of two shallow lakes in Maine, USA

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2007 Start Date: 2007-04-01 End Date: 2008-03-31
Total Federal Funds: $8,600 Total Non-Federal Funds: $22,024

Principal Investigators: Aria Amirbahman, Karl Bishop, Roy Bouchard, Bjorn Lake, Stephen Norton

Project Summary: The frequency of annual algal blooms in East Pond (Smithville, Maine, USA) has been increasing in the past two decades. Meanwhile, the trophic status of the hydrologically-linked, North Pond, has remained relatively constant, even though both ponds have similar morphometry and geology. The purpose of this study is to determine the importance of sedimentary internal phosphorus (P) loading to the water column for both ponds that supports the algal populations by supplying the algae with an essential nutrient required for growth. We will determine the P speciation in each pond by using 31P NMR spectroscopy and sequential chemical extraction techniques. We will also perform laboratory incubation experiments to determine the P release potential for each lake. By knowing the P speciation and release potential, we will be able to determine whether internal P loading should be considered when planning remediation strategies for East Pond.