Redox-related release of phosphorus from sediments in large and shallow Lake Peipsi: Evidence from sediment studies and long-term monitoring data

In large and shallow lakes, the role of the redox-related release of phosphorus (P) from sediments has remained in the shadow of sediment resuspension. In the current study, we concentrated on this knowledge gap regarding factors controlling lake water quality. We combined long-term monitoring data with the studies on sediment P mobility in August 2018 by measuring redox potential, pore water concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved iron (Fe), sediment P fractions, and by calculating diffusive P flux. Using lake water total P (TP) concentrations for 21 years (1997–2018), we quantified internal P load based on water column summer increase of TP (ILin situ). Significant positive correlations were found between the diffusive P flux and the Fe-bound P concentration in the sediment for conditions of well-oxidized sediment surfaces. The analysis of long-term data showed that P mobilized in sediments is likely to be released via sediment disturbances. Sediment resuspension is favoured by decreased water level during late summer-early autumn. Additionally, the release of P from anoxic sediment surfaces is also possible, as was indicated by significant positive correlations of ILin situ with the anoxic factor (a measure of extent of anoxia) and August water temperature. The potential P release from anoxic sediment surfaces contributed about 80% to ILin situ in the northern basin, and about 280% in the more productive southern basin. Hence, the redox-related P release seems to sustain the high productivity of these large and shallow lake basins and is supported by sediment resuspension as a transport mechanism.