Open AccessInfluence of flow on phosphorus-dynamics and particle size in agricultural drainage ditch sediments
Author(s) -
Jay Capasso,
Jehangir H. Bhadha,
Allan R. Bacon,
Lilit Vardanyan,
Raju Khatiwada,
Julio Pachόn,
Mark W. Clark,
Tim Lang
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0227489
Subject(s) - particle size , ditch , sediment , particle (ecology) , chemistry , environmental chemistry , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , ecology , biology , oceanography , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering
Particle size is one factor affecting phosphorus (P) dynamics in soils and sediments. This study investigated how flow facilitated by hydraulic pumps and aquatic vegetation species water lettuce ( Pistia stratiotes ) and water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) affected particle size and P-dynamics in organic sediments in agricultural drainage ditches. Sediments with finer particle size (>0.002 mm) were hypothesized to contain greater total P (TP) and less labile P than sediments with coarser particle size. Particle size was determined using a LS 13 320 Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer. Sediments were tested for pH, TP, and organic matter. Fractions of P were determined using a sequential fractionation experiment and 31 P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. Larger average particle size and lower average total P concentrations were found in the inflows of the field ditches compared to the outflows. Presence of flow and aquatic vegetation did not have a significant impact on particle size, TP, or labile P fractions. Median (p = 0.10) particle size was not significantly correlated to TP. Overall, there was an average trend of coarser particle size and lower P concentrations in the inflow compared to the outflow. The presence of inorganic limerock could have affected results due to increased P adsorption capacity and larger average particle size compared to the organic fraction of the sediment.