Sorption and hydrolysis of added organic phosphorus compounds in lake sediments1

Abstract

The sorption and hydrolysis of three types of organic phosphate compounds in a lake sediment‐water system were investigated. An intact, nonsterilized sediment was used to allow evaluation of chemical and biological effects. Sorption was attributed mainly to chemical interactions and hydrolysis to sediment microorganisms. The extent of sorption varied with the type of compound and was partly related to the number of phosphate groups per molecule. Hydrolysis rates were decreased by organic P sorption and by incubation at 4°C rather than room temperature.