Release of phosphorus from sediments in Lake Biwa

Two sulfur-mediated reactions are resulting in the eutrophication of Lake Biwa, Japan. The iron (II) phosphate mineral vivianite is dissolving in sulfide-enriched sediments that in places results in porewater concentrations of phosphate exceeding 3 mg l⁻¹. The dissolution of phosphate is evident in profiles of total phosphorus where zones of dissolution and a zone of precipitation in the most oxic surface sediments are visible. At times sulfate reduction in these surface sediments results in pH values as high as 9.9, which can dissolve phosphate adsorbed to iron (III). This release of phosphorus from sediments is at least partially responsible for the recent appearance of blue-green algal blooms. Received: August 4, 2000 / Accepted: March 19, 2001