The effect of deposition of organic matter on phosphorus dynamics in experimental marine sediment systems

The effect of deposition of organic matter on phosphorus dynamics in sandy marine sediments was evaluated using an experimental system (boxcosms) and three different strategies: (1) no supply (2) one single addition (3) weekly additions of a suspension of algal cells (Phaeocystis sp.). Macrofauna (3 species, 6 individual of each) were added to half of the boxes. Both in the case of the single and weekly additions a clear effect of increased organic matter loading on phosphorus dynamics was found. Following the organic matter addition, porewater phosphate concentrations in the upper sediment layer increased, phosphate release rates from the sediment increased by a factor 3-5 and in the boxes to which a single addition was applied NaOH-extractable phosphorus increased substantially. The increase in phosphate release rates from the sediment was attributed to mineralization of the added material and to direct release from the algal cells. No clear effect of the presence of macrofauna on sediment-water exchange of phosphate could be discovered. The macrofauna were very effective at reworking the sediment, however, as illustrated by the organic carbon profiles. It is hypothesized that the sediment-water exchange rates of phosphate were regulated by the layer of algal material which was present on the sediment surface in the fed boxes. In the boxes to which the single addition was applied porewater phosphate concentrations were lower and NaOH-extractable phosphorus was higher in the presence of macrofauna, suggesting that macrofauna can stimulate phosphate binding in the sediment.