Characterizing the oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate sources to aquatic ecosystems
Environmental Science & Technology
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Abstract
The oxygen isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic phosphate (δ18Op) in many aquatic ecosystems is not in isotopic equilibrium with ambient water and, therefore, may reflect the source δ18Op. Identification of phosphate sources to water bodies is critical for designing best management practices for phosphate load reduction to control eutrophication. In order for δ18O p to be a useful tool for source tracking, the δ18Op of phosphate sources must be distinguishable from one another; however, the δ18Op of potential sources has not been well characterized. We measured the δ18O p of a variety of known phosphate sources, including fertilizers, semiprocessed phosphorite ore, particulate aerosols, detergents, leachates of vegetation, soil, animal feces, and wastewater treatment plant effluent. We found a considerable range of δ18Op values (from +8.4 to +24.9‰) for the various sources, and statistically significant differences were found between several of the source types. δ18Op measured in three different fresh water systems was generally not in equilibrium with ambient water. Although there is overlap in δ18Op values among the groups of samples, our results indicate that some sources are isotopically distinct and δ18Op can be used for identifying phosphate sources to aquatic systems.
Suggested Citation
Young, M., McLaughlin, K., Kendall, C., Stringfellow, W., Rollog, M., Elsbury, K., Donald, E., Paytan, A., 2009, Characterizing the oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate sources to aquatic ecosystems: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 43, no. 14, p. 5190-5196, https://doi.org/10.1021/es900337q.
ISSN: 1520-5851 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Characterizing the oxygen isotopic composition of phosphate sources to aquatic ecosystems |
| Series title | Environmental Science & Technology |
| DOI | 10.1021/es900337q |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 14 |
| Publication Date | June 10, 2009 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | ACS Publications |
| Contributing office(s) | Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 5190 |
| Last page | 5196 |