Organic matter geochemistry and petrography of Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) organic-rich shales from the Belle Fourche and Second White Specks formations,west-central Alberta,Canada

Organic-rich mudstones with up to 10 wt% TOC from the upper portion of the Belle Fourche Formation and the lower part of the Second White Specks Formation in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin were evaluated as source rocks. Both geochemistry and organic petrography indicate an open marine paleoenvironment with deposition of Type II kerogen based on the predominance of marine alginite and amorphous organic matter (OM), limited amounts of terrigenous vitrinite and inertinite macerals, the presence of marine fossils, and the low ratio of TOC to total sulfur (∼1.26). The prevalence of short-chain n-alkanes (n-C₁₃ to n-C₁₉), a predominance of C₂₈ αββ(H)-20S steranes, and small concentrations of oleanane confirm the dominantly algal and planktonic origin of OM. Alternating oxic to anoxic paleoenvironmental sedimentary conditions are proposed based on common bioturbation, abundant inoceramid prisms, and good organic richness. Biomarker distributions are consistent with intermittent anoxia, without unequivocal evidence for water column stratification or hypersalinity. The thermal maturity measured in seven sediment cores by different methods consistently indicates a westward increase in maturity according to vitrinite reflectance, T_max, and hopane and sterane biomarkers. Two cores are thermally immature (∼0.42 %Ro), one is early mature (∼0.65 %Ro), and four cores are within the oil window (∼0.78 to 0.89 %Ro). All thermally mature cores retain good to very good hydrocarbon potential (248 mg HC/g rock) and are dominantly oil-prone and minor gas-prone based on their maceral compositions. The upper Belle Fourche and lower Second White Specks Formations represent potential targets for unconventional light shale oil production.     

Geochemistry of Peruvian near-surface sediments

Sixteen short sediment cores were recovered from the upper edge (UEO), within (WO) and below (BO) the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) off Peru during cruise 147 of R/V Sonne. Solids were analyzed for major/trace elements, total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total sulfur, the stable sulfur isotope composition (δ³⁴S) of pyrite, and sulfate reduction rates (SRR). Pore waters were analyzed for dissolved sulfate/sulfide and δ³⁴S of sulfate. In all cores highest SRR were observed in the top 5 cm where pore water sulfate concentrations varied little due to resupply of sulfate by sulfide oxidation and/or diffusion of sulfate from bottom water. δ³⁴S of dissolved sulfate showed only minor downcore increases. Strong ³²S enrichments in sedimentary pyrite (to −48‰ vs. V-CDT) are due to processes in the oxidative part of the sulfur cycle in addition to sulfate reduction. Manganese and Co are significantly depleted in Peruvian upwelling sediments most likely due to mobilization from particles settling through the OMZ, whereas release of both elements from reducing sediments only seems to occur in near-coastal sites. Cadmium, Mo and Re are exceptionally enriched in WO sediments (<600 m water depth). High Re and moderate Cd and Mo enrichments are seen in BO sediments (>600 m water depth). Re/Mo ratios indicate anoxic and suboxic conditions for WO and BO sediments, respectively. Cadmium and Mo downcore profiles suggest considerable contribution to UEO/WO sediments by a biodetrital phase, whereas Re presumably accumulates via diffusion across the sediment-water interface to precipitation depth. Uranium is distinctly enriched in WO sediments (due to sulfidic conditions) and in some BO sediments (due to phosphorites). Silver transfer to suboxic BO sediments is likely governed by diatomaceous matter input, whereas in anoxic WO sediments Ag is presumably trapped due to sulfide precipitation. Cadmium, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Ag, and T1 predominantly accumulate via biogenic pre-concentration in plankton remains. Rhenium, Sb, As, V, U and Mo are enriched in accordance with seawater TE availability. Lead and Bi enrichment in UEO surface sediments is likely contributed by anthropogenic activity (mining). Accumulation rates of TOC, Cd, Mo, U, and V from Peruvian and Namibian sediments exceed those from the Oman Margin and Gulf of California due to enhanced preservation off Peru and Namibia.     

Sedimentation in the lakes and marshes (Ahwar) of the Tigris-Euphrates Delta, southern Mesopotamia

The fluvial plains of lower Mesopotamia crossed by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are occupied by fresh-brackish water lakes and extensive reed-marshes dominated by Phragmites sp. and Typha sp. (together locally called Ahwar). Allochthonous sediment is mostly supplied by the Tigris and Euphrates seasonal floodwaters, and by winds which bring aeolian dust from the north-west and sand during storms from the western deserts in summer. Other contributions to the sediment budget are made by in situ biological activity and by biochemical-chemical processes within the sediments. The sediments are dominantly silts, with silt comprising more than 60% of the sediment. The remainder of the sediment consists of varying quantities of clay and sand. Clay is more abundant in the lower parts of most of the analysed cores (30–80 cm in length), indicating a change in sediment supply and/or sedimentary environment. Well developed stratification is found only on the river levees and in some clay-rich lake and marsh sediments. The remainder of the sediments are generally poorly stratified with irregular stratification and considerable bioturbation. Mineralogically, the sediments consist mainly of calcite, quartz, dolomite and feldspar (particularly albite). Aragonite is present as a result of in situ production by macrofauna. The clay fraction (<2 μn) consists of smectite, illite-smectite, illite, palygorskite, kaolinite and chlorite. The total organic carbon (TOC) content is usually <5% except for some peaty surface layers of the freshwater lakes and marshes where TOC may rise to 10–20%. The sediments have a relatively high calcium carbonate content. 20–80%, the highest values only being found in mollusc-rich horizons. The sediments contain high amounts of Ca, Mg and Sr and are generally low in Al, Ti. K. and V. Values for Fe, Co, Pb, Zn and Mn are close to the average for mudstones, whereas Cu and P are relatively low. The high Ni and Cr contents of the sediments are related to high contents in the source material of the major rivers and aeolian deposits. Multivariate statistical analysis shows that elemental components of surface and source materials correlate well with other sedimentary properties. Aragonitic molluscs of various species dominate the macrofauna, but a microfauna of foraminifers, ostracods and diatoms is also present in the sediments.     

Links Between Bottom-Water Anoxia,the Polychaete <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nereis diversicolor</Emphasis>, and the Growth of Green-Algal Mats

Sediment–water incubations were used to study effects of episodic anoxia on filamentous Ulva sp. Treatments included undisturbed sediment with (AnoxSed) and without (NatSed) exposure to 5 days of anoxia, and cores with only the top 0.5 cm of sediment (SurfSed; no macrofauna, restricted pore-water nutrient pool). All three treatments contained Ulva propagules. An Ulva mat developed in the SurfSed, and after the anoxic period in the AnoxSed cores. No growth was observed in the NatSed treatment. In the AnoxSed, Ulva was progressively removed upon reoxygenation through grazing by Nereis. The results suggest that episodic anoxia stimulates the growth of macroalgal mats not only by increasing the availability of nutrients from the sediment, but also by reducing macrofaunal grazing pressure. Infauna (grazing and bioturbation), benthic microalgae (nutrient competition and retention), and pore-water nutrients appear key components in a biogeochemical network with complex feedbacks controlling the growth of green-algal mats in shallow-water systems.     

Heavy Metal Distributions and Source Tracing in the Lacustrine Sediments of Dongdao Island,South China Sea

The levels and depth distributions of As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Fe and Mn in two sediment cores DY2 and DY4 collected from the ＂Cattle Pond＂ of Dongdao Island, South China Sea, were determined and analyzed with the main objective to identify the sources of these elements and evaluate the corresponding sedimentological and geochemical processes. Lithological characters and sedimentary parameters such as LOI950℃, CaO, LOI550℃ and TOC indicate that the depth of 96 cm and 87 cm are the critical points for DY2 and DY4 cores, respectively. As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg and P are remarkably enriched in the ornithogenic sediments above the critical depth points; their concentration-versus-depth profiles are similar to those of TOC and LOI550℃; the ratios of As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg over Ca are significantly correlated with P/Ca. Statistical and comparative analyses of these elements＇ levels in the ornithogenic sediments of DY2 and DY4 strongly suggest that seabird droppings are the main source of these elements. Additionally, for the upper sediment layers of DY2 and DY4 cores, Fe oxide sorption mechanism, like organic matter, may also play an important role in the abundances of heavy metals. Heavy metal Pb has geochemical characteristics distinctly different from those of As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg and P, and its isotope composition indicates an origin of anthropogenic emissions from the surrounding countries. These geochemical characteristics in the orinithogenic sediments of Xisha Islands are compared with the studies in the remote Antarctic and Arctic regions.     

沉积物成岩蚀变过程中的Mn、Cd和Mo元素活动特征:以ODP 1148站钻孔沉积物记录为例

通过对南海北部的ODP 1148站岩芯600 mcd以上(约30 Ma以来)的沉积物中自生富集Mn、Cd和Mo等过渡金属元素的含量变化的研究,并结合相关的化学组成结果,探讨了岩芯内部氧化-还原条件的变化以及相关元素的活动特征,反演了相应沉积时期的环境演变.结果显示,岩芯387 mcd以上,自生Mn富集明显,代表氧化的环境;387～485 mcd之间,自生Cd含量明显富集,Mn含量显著降低,代表少氧的环境;485 mcd以下,Mn和Cd含量极低,自生Mo明显富集,代表缺氧的环境.随氧化-还原条件的变化,Mo存在明显的向下迁移并在缺氧界面的缺氧一方达到最大值的趋势,而Cd在少氧环境形成的固相态则可能在缺氧环境下不稳定,溶解态的Cd有向上迁移的趋势,并且在少氧/缺氧界面的少氧一方富集.这些过渡金属元素记录的氧化-还原条件的变化,反映出ODP 1148站所在海区的沉积环境变化:早期有较丰富的陆源输入,表层海水生产力较高,随着南海不断扩张以及全球海平面上升,该海区表层海水生产力逐渐降低.     

Distributions of total,inorganic and organic phosphorus in surface and recent sediments of the sub-tropical and semi-pristine Guaratuba Bay estuary,SE Brazil

This study addresses the distribution of total phosphorus (TP) and its inorganic (IP) and organic (OP) fractions, grain-size and organic matter of surface and recent sediments, coupled to the behavior of total and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (TP and DIP) of the water column, of the semi-pristine Guaratuba Bay estuary, SE Brazil. Surface sediment samples were taken at 43 sites spread along the estuarine gradient and recent sediments from 3 short (35 cm long) cores from the upper, central and lower portions of the estuary, respectively. Highest TP and IP concentrations of surface sediments were detected within the upper sector and the transition zone between the upper and central sectors, all characterized by fine sediments, low salinities and water depths. In contrast, the lower sector and its narrow and deep tidal channel, subject to more intense tidal forcing, exhibited a higher fraction of sandy sediments with lower TP, IP and OP contents. In spite of the spatial variability in sediment grain size, IP corresponded to the major fraction of TP in all estuarine sectors and both TP and IP correlated significantly with the fine sedimentary (silt + clay) grain-size fraction. The fine surface sediments acted as a trap for IP at the fresh water–low salinity interface, which also corresponded to the region of a DIP sink in surface waters. In general, the short sediment cores showed that TP and IP contents increased from 15 cm depths to the top layer. Published sedimentation rates from additional cores taken at the sites of the short cores of this study, implied that depositional alterations of TP and IP increased during the early 1970s, which corresponded to the onset of anthropogenic disturbances from crop plantations in the lowland plains of the river end-member and urbanization at the estuary’s mouth and along the adjacent coast.     

Hydrogen sulfide and organic carbon at the sediment–water interface in coastal brackish Lake Nakaumi, SW Japan

The relationship among H₂S, total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS) and total nitrogen contents of surface sediments (0–1 cm) was examined to quantify the relationship between H₂S concentrations and TOC content at the sediment water interface in a coastal brackish lake, Nakaumi, southwest Japan. In this lake, bottom water becomes anoxic during summer due to a strong halocline. Lake water has ample dissolved SO₄ ^2? and the surface sediments are rich in planktic organic matter (C/N 7–9), which is highly reactive in terms of sulfate reduction. In this setting the amount of TOC should be a critical factor regulating the activity of sulfate reduction and H₂S production. In portions of the lake where sediment TOC content is less than 3.5 %, H₂S was very low or absent in both bottom and pore waters. However, in areas with TOC >3.5 %, H₂S was correlated with TOC content (pore water H₂S (ppm) = 13.9 × TOC (%) ? 52.1, correlation coefficient: 0.72). H₂S was also present in areas with sediment TS above 1.2 % (present as iron sulfide), which suggests that iron sulfide formation is tied to the amount of TOC. Based on this relationship, H₂S production has progressively increased after the initiation of land reclamation projects in Lake Nakaumi, as the area of sapropel sediments has significantly increased. This TOC–H₂S relationship at sediment–water interface might be used to infer H₂S production in brackish–lagoonal systems similar to Lake Nakaumi, with readily available SO₄ ^2? and reactive organic matter.     

A recent history of metal accumulation in the sediments of the Thames Estuary, United Kingdom

Sediment cores were collected from the Tilbury Tidal Basin in the Thames Estuary to determine the depositional history of metals in the estuary. Profiles of metals in sediments deposited in the lower Thames Estuary show a 30–50% decrease in concentration for Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, and a 70% decrease for Hg in recent decades. Historic depth soundings data showed the decreases in metal concentrations occurred between 1944 and 1966. The decline in sediment metal concentrations has been attributed to reduced inputs to the estuary, following updating of the major sewage treatment works in 1959 and 1963. This is indicated by the through-core distribution of Mn which implies that prior to 1960 the sediments were deposited in anoxic conditions, which subsequently improved. An increase in Mn concentrations observed in one of the cores has been attributed to increases in the dissolved oxygen of the estuarine waters resulting from the increased efficiency of the sewage treatment works.     

Comparisons of 210Pb and pollen methods for determining rates of estuarine sediment accumulation

Comparisons of sedimentation rates obtained by ²¹⁰Pb and pollen analyses of 1-m cores collected throughout the Potomac Estuary show good agreement in the majority of cores that can be analyzed by both methods. Most of the discrepancy between the methods can be explained by the analytical precision of the ²¹⁰Pb method and by the exactness with which time horizons can be identified and dated for the pollen method. X-radiographs of the cores and the distinctness of the pollen horizons preclude significant displacement by reworking and/or mixing of sediments. Differences between the methods are greatest where uncertainties exist in assigning a rate by one or both methods (i.e., ²¹⁰Pb trends and/or “possible” horizon assignments). Both methods show the same relative rates, with greater sediment accumulation more common in the upper and middle estuary and less toward the mouth. The results indicate that geochronologic studies of estuarine sediments should be preceded by careful observation of sedimentary structures, preferably by X-radiography, to evaluate the extent of mixing of the sediments. Time horizons, whether paleontologic or isotopic, are generally blurred where mixing has occurred, precluding precise identification. Whenever possible, two methods should be used for dating sediments because a rate, albeit erroneous, can be obtained isotopically in sediments that are mixed; accurate sedimentation rates are also difficult to determine where the time boundary is a zone rather than a horizon, where the historical record does not provide a precise date for the pollen horizon, or where scouring has removed some of the sediment above a dated pollen horizon.     

The application of δ13C and C/N ratios as indicators of organic carbon sources and paleoenvironmental change of the mangrove ecosystem from Ba Lat Estuary, Red River, Vietnam

In this study, two sediment cores (~70 cm) were collected from separate mangrove forests straddling the Ba Lat Estuary, Red River of northern Vietnam, to examine the origins of sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) and reconstruct the paleoenvironment. In addition, mangrove leaves and particulate organic matter were collected and measured for δ¹³C to trace the origins of SOC. The cores were analyzed by high-resolution sections for δ¹³C, TOC, C/N ratios, sediment grain size, water content, and porosity, with values of δ¹³C, TOC, and C/N ratios ranging from −28.19 to −22.5‰, 2.14–30.94 mg/g, and 10.29–18.32, respectively. The δ¹³C and TOC relationship indicated that there were some small residual effects of diagenetic processes on TOC and δ¹³C values in mangrove sediments. However, the shifts of δ¹³C and C/N ratios from the bottom to the surface sediment of the cores explained the change in organic matter sources, with values of C/N > 12 and δ¹³C < −25‰, and C/N < 12 and δ¹³C > −25‰ indicated terrestrial (e.g., mangrove litter) and marine phytoplankton sources, respectively. The covarying δ¹³C, C/N ratios, and sediment grain sizes during the past 100 years in sediment cores showed that the paleoenvironment may be reconstructed into three environments (subtidal, tidal flat, and intertidal mangrove). General trends in δ¹³C and C/N followed a gradual increase in the C/N ratio and a concomitant decrease in δ¹³C from the subtidal, through to tidal flat, and to the intertidal mangrove. δ¹³C and C/N ratios are therefore effective in measuring the continuum of environmental change in mangrove ecosystem.     

A 2,500-year history of anoxia and eutrophication in Chesapeake Bay

Ongoing monitoring programs and historical data are not sufficient to establish anthropogenic effects on the ecology of Chesapeake Bay. However, stratigraphic records preserved in the sediments can be used to reconstruct both prehistoric and historic sedimentation and water conditions of the bay, including anoxia and eutrophication. Pollen, diatoms, total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen, total sulfur, and an estimate of the degree of pyritization of iron (DOP) are being used as paleoecological indicators in dated sediment cores for the purpose of reconstructing a long-term environmental history of the bay. Analysis of the data indicates that sedimentation rates, anoxic conditions, and eutrophication have increased in the Chesapeake Bay since the time of European settlement. For example, since initial land clearance around 1760, sedimentation rates have increased from as low as 0.02 cm yr^?1 to an average 0.22 cm yr^?1, and TOC from 0.14 mg cm^?2 yr^?1 to a high 4.96 mg cm^?2 yr^?1. Diatom community structure shows a steady decrease in overall diversity since 1760 and the centric:pennate ratio has increased significantly since 1940.     

Heavy Metal Distributions and Source Tracing in the Lacustrine Sediments of Dongdao Island, South China Sea

The levels and depth distributions of As,Cd,Cu,Zn,Pb,Hg,Fe and Mn in two sediment cores DY2 and DY4 collected from the"Cattle Pond"of Dongdao Island,South China Sea,were determined and analyzed with the main objective to identify the sources of these elements and evaluate the corresponding sedimentological and geochemical processes.Lithological characters and sedimentary parameters such as LOI_(950℃),CaO,LOI_(550℃) and TOC indicate that the depth of 96 cm and 87 cm are the critical points for DY2 and DY4 cores,respectively.As,Cd,Cu,Zn,Hg and P are remarkably enriched in the ornithogenic sediments above the critical depth points;their concentration-versus-depth profiles are similar to those of TOC and LOIssooc;the ratios of As,Cd,Cu, Zn,Hg over Ca are significantly correlated with P/Ca.Statistical and comparative analyses of these elements' levels in the ornithogenic sediments of DY2 and DY4 strongly suggest that seabird droppings are the main source of these elements.Additionally,for the upper sediment layers of DY2 and DY4 cores,Fe oxide sorption mechanism,like organic matter,may also play an important role in the abundances of heavy metals.Heavy metal Pb has geochemical characteristics distinctly different from those of As,Cd,Cu,Zn,Hg and P,and its isotope composition indicates an origin of anthropogenic emissions from the surrounding countries.These geochemical characteristics in the orinithogenic sediments of Xisha Islands are compared with the studies in the remote Antarctic and Arctic regions.     

南大巴山上奥陶统五峰组—下志留统龙马溪组泥岩元素地球化学特征

元素地球化学在沉积环境判别中发挥重要的作用,尤其是沉积物形成时的氧化-还原环境和底层水体状况.本文对南大巴山上奥陶统五峰组—下志留统龙马溪组泥岩开展了元素地球化学分析,结果表明:临湘组Al2 O3含量高于五峰组,五峰组—龙马溪组向上逐渐增加,TiO2和Al2 O3具有相似的特征,二者与TOC呈负相关;氧化-还原敏感元素...     

Voltammetric evidence for soluble FeS complexes in anoxic estuarine muds

Voltammetric methods using direct insertion of a gold-amalgam microelectrode with a sensitive, computercontrolled voltammeter detected soluble iron(II) sulfide, [FeS]_aq, in the porewaters of anoxic, sulfidic, fine-grained sediments from the Loughor Estuary, Wales. The voltammetric results are reproducible. Studies of cores stored in sealed, refrigerated containers for up to 21 d reveal no measurable oxidation. [FeS]_aq forms in this estuarine environment as a result of the dissolution of amorphous FeS, and appears to be involved in the formation of pyrite. [FeS]_aq makes no significant contribution to the total sulfide and iron contents of the sediment but could constitute an important component of the dissolved Fe(II) and S(−II) contents of the porewater. Mass balance calculations show pyrite forms in this system by the addition of sulfur to FeS rather than by the loss of iron from FeS. The overall process appears to involve [FeS]_aq as an intermediary. Although the porewaters of the Loughor Estuary sediments are iron-rich relative to seawater, the iron sulfide-forming process is iron-limited rather than sulfide-limited. Reactive iron is bound to sulfide rapidly in the sediment. After the reactive iron is bound to sulfide, additional sulfide produced is fixed as pyrite.     

长江口吴淞-浏河滨岸带沉积物AVS和SEM含量的空间分布特征

对长江口吴淞-浏河滨岸带37个站位沉积物中酸可挥发性硫化物（AVS）和同时可提取态重金属（SEM）含量及其空间分布特征进行了研究。结果表明,SEM在37个站位沉积物中浓度范围为0．20～1．37μmol／g,平均值为0．74μmol／g;AVS的浓度范围为0．20—0．80μmol／g,平均值为0．23μmol／g;沉积物中AVS含量与总有机碳（TOC）和含水率呈显著正相关关系,而SEM分别与TOC和含水率呈显著正相关关系,与沉积物中值粒径呈显著负相关关系。依据SEM／AVS比值评价方法以及美国EPA（SEM—AVS）差值评价方法对沉积物中重金属的生物有效性的判断表明,除了B2站点无显著生物毒性外,吴淞-浏河滨岸带沉积物中重金属对水生生物均处于中等毒性水平。     

Distribution,sediment magnetism and geochemistry of the Saksunarvatn (10 180 ± 60 cal. yr BP) tephra in marine,lake, and terrestrial sediments,northwest Iceland

In 1997, seismic surveys in the troughs off northwest and north Iceland indicated the presence of a major, regional sub‐bottom reflector that can be traced over large areas of the shelf. Cores taken in 1997, and later in 1999 on the IMAGES V cruise, penetrated through the reflector. In core MD99‐2269 in Húnaflóaáll, this reflector is shown to be represented by a basaltic tephra with a geochemical signature and radiocarbon age correlative with the North Atlantic‐wide Saksunarvatn tephra. We trace this tephra throughout northwest Iceland in a series of marine and lake cores, as well as in terrestrial sediments; it forms a layer 1 to 25 cm thick of fine‐ to medium‐grained basaltic volcanic shards. The base of the tephra unit is always sharp but visual inspection and other measurements (carbonate and total organic carbon weight %) indicate a more diffuse upper boundary associated with bioturbation and with sediment reworking. Off northwest Iceland the Saksunarvatn tephra has distinct sediment magnetic properties. This is evident as a dramatic reduction in magnetic susceptibility, an increase in the frequency dependant magnetic susceptibility and ‘hard’ magnetisation in a −0.1T IRM backfield. Geochemical analyses from 11 sites indicate a tholeiitic basalt composition, similar to the geochemistry of a tephra found in the Greenland ice‐core that dates to 10 180 ± 60 cal. yr BP, and which was correlated with the 9000 ¹⁴C yr BP Saksunarvatn tephra. We present accelerator mass spectrometry ¹⁴C dates from the marine sites, which indicate that the ocean reservoir correction is close to ca. 400 yr at 9000 ¹⁴C yr BP off northwest Iceland. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Early diagenesis in anaerobic lake sediments—II. Thermodynamic and kinetic factors controlling the formation of iron phosphate

The ion activity product of Fe and phosphate in interstitial waters from four sediment cores taken from Greifensee, Switzerland indicate the presence of vivianite [Fe₃(PO₄)₂ · 8 H₂O] in the solid phase. Analysis of the sediment using an electron microprobe and by electron microscopy revealed P-rich grains to be also enriched in Fe. The combined methods provide strong evidence that vivianite is forming authigenically in the sediments. Thermodynamic stability calculations demonstrate that the most stable Fe and phosphate minerals (pyrite, siderite and apatite) are not the ones controlling the pore water chemistry. The results emphasize the importance of rate processes of mineral formation in early diagenesis.Calculations based on the sediment phosphate concentration, and the degree of supersaturation of Fe and phosphate in the upper portion (0–15 cm) of the pore waters, indicate that the rate of vivianite mineral growth is controlled by a surface reaction rather than a diffusion mechanism. The response time of dissolved phosphate in the sediment pore waters with respect to mineral precipitation is on the order of 1–20 days. Less than 15% of the phosphate released by organic matter degradation at the sediment-water interface and below is retained in the sediments.