Wind-wave affected phosphate loading variations and their relationship to redox condition in Lake Taihu

Variation of wind speed and the physico-chemical parameters, such as dissolved phosphate, ferrous and manganese in lake water were observed on site. Together with the chemistry analysis and simulated experiment in lab, the change of phosphate concentration in lake water was analyzed. The variation of ferrous/phosphate ratio explained that along with the enhancement of wind-wave effect and the oxidation ability of lake water, the effects of co-precipitation and removal of dissolved phosphate and iron in the lake water were reinforced. The ferrous/phosphate ratio in pore water was less than 2.0, demonstrating that the dissolved phosphate can be released into the overlying water. But, in the lake water, the stability of phosphate was controlled by the water dynamics. The phosphate release experiment showed that molecular release was only part of the whole and the direct discharge of phosphate in the pore water was also a part. The mineralization and biological process of suspended particulates in the water may be another important reason for the whole phosphate loadings.     

水丝蚓(Tubificid worms)扰动对磷在湖泊沉积物-水界面迁移的影响

为探讨水丝蚓(Tubificid worms)扰动对磷在湖泊沉积物-水界面间迁移的影响,选取太湖梅梁湾与大浦口两富营养化湖区为研究对象,通过室内培养实验,利用Rhizon间隙水采样器等技术,研究了水丝蚓扰动对太湖沉积物-水界面理化性质及溶解活性磷(SRP)在界面通量的影响.结果表明水丝蚓扰动能够增大表层沉积物含水率、氧化还原电位,减小间隙水中Fe2+浓度.水丝蚓没有显著改变梅梁湾间隙水中SRP浓度,同时促进了梅梁湾沉积物中SRP向上覆水的释放;但水丝蚓显著减小了大浦口间隙水中SRP浓度,并抑制了大浦口沉积物中SRP向上覆水的释放.水丝蚓扰动对磷在沉积物-水界面间迁移的不同影响可能是由沉积物中Fe2+含量差异较大造成的.     

淀山湖底泥生态疏浚适宜深度判定分析

通过室内模拟实验,对淀山湖东部湖区的沉积物进行研究,测定沉积物在不同疏浚深度和疏浚温度下的铵态氮(NH₄⁺-N)、正磷酸盐(NH₄^3--P)和溶解性有机碳(DOC)的释放速率,并对该区域沉积物的理化指标进行检测.结果表明:淀山湖表层沉积物近年来总磷和有机质含量有较大增加.淀山湖东部湖区NH₄⁺-N和DOC存在着释放趋势,NH₄^3--P在夏季会从沉积物中向上覆水中释放,在年内会形成"源"和"汇"的转化.整个淀山湖东部湖区按不同研究区域划分,疏浚深度以10~20 cm最佳,疏浚季节以秋季为佳.通过对淀山湖东部湖区的沉积物在不同疏浚深度和疏浚时间下的污染物释放速率的研究,可以为淀山湖和其它类似湖泊的疏浚工作提供相应的科学依据.     

Sediment diffusive fluxes of Fe,Mn, and P in a eutrophic lake: Contribution from lateral vs bottom sediments

Water column data and porewater profiles are used to study the chemical evolution with time and with depth of a eutrophic lake. By using different approaches, diffusion fluxes for dissolved iron, manganese and phosphate are calculated and used to describe the processes occurring at the sediment-water interface as well as in the hypolimnion of the lake. These data are used in the elaboration of a qualitative model to describe the chemical behaviour of the sedimentary interface of an anoxic lake with emphasis on the Fe/P/S system. Acorona model is proposed to explain the evolution with time of the diffusion process by estimating the relative contribution of bottom and lateral sediment surfaces to the total fluxes of dissolved elements diffusing from the sediment to the overlying water. As the hypolimnion becomes more anoxic, it has been observed that lateral sediment surfaces (16 to 10 meters in depth) represents a larger supplier of diffusing dissolved components than the bottom sediment portion (bottom to 18 meters).     

Experimental study on phosphorus release from sediments of shallow lake in wave flume

Influence of wave on sediment resuspension and nutrients release from sediments, collected from Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, was studied in flume experiments. Under strong-wave conditions, concentrations of suspended solids (SS), total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) in overlying water were increased significantly following the sediments re-suspension. During the experiments on sediments of Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, TP concentrations increased 6 times and 3 times, and DTP concentration increased 100% and 70% more than it in presuspension, respectively. Concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) of experiment on sediment of Lake Taihu increased 25%. During the massive sediment suspension, the dissolved phosphorus in pore water and much of the phosphorus adsorbed by the sediment particles were released into overlying water. The phenomena in this wave flume experiment are quite similar to the situation observed in situ of Lake Taihu. The critical wave stresses of sediment re-suspension are nearly equal. The change of concentrations of SS, TP, and SRP was the same as that in situ situation. This study showed that concentrations of TP and SRP in lake water could be increased significantly by wave disturbance. Phosphorus release was significantly enhanced by wave disturbance at the beginning of massive sediment re-suspension, but decreased later.     

Experimental study on phosphorus release from sediments of shallow lake in wave flume

Influence of wave on sediment resuspension and nutrients release from sediments, collected from Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, was studied in flume experiments. Under strong-wave conditions, concentrations of suspended solids (SS), total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) in overlying water were increased significantly following the sediments re-suspension. During the experiments on sediments of Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, TP concentrations increased 6 times and 3 times, and DTP concentration increased 100% and 70% more than it in presuspension, respectively. Concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) of experiment on sediment of Lake Taihu increased 25%. During the massive sediment suspension, the dissolved phosphorus in pore water and much of the phosphorus adsorbed by the sediment particles were released into overlying water. The phenomena in this wave flume experiment are quite similar to the situation observed in situ of Lake Taihu. The critical wave stresses of sediment re-suspension are nearly equal. The change of concentrations of SS, TP, and SRP was the same as that in situ situation. This study showed that concentrations of TP and SRP in lake water could be increased significantly by wave disturbance. Phosphorus release was significantly enhanced by wave disturbance at the beginning of massive sediment re-suspension, but decreased later.     

Estimation of internal nutrient release in large shallow Lake Taihu,China

Based on field investigation of wave, sediment suspension and the changes in nutrient concentration of the water column in Lake Taihu, China, we proposed two release models to quantify nutrient release under static and dynamic conditions, respectively. Under static conditions, nutrient release from sediments to the overlying water mainly depends on chemical diffusion induced by concentration gradient, in which the nutrient release is controlled by the temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration in the sediment-water interface, oxidation-reduction potential and the concentration difference between porewater and overlying water. Under dynamic condition (or disturbed condition), both dissolved and particulate nutrients in sediments are released into the water column because of wind-induced sediment suspension. The amount of nutrient release under dynamic conditions is larger than that under the static condition. The release of dissolved nutrients, however, does not increase because the wind induced turbulence made oxidation of metallic elements such as Fe (ferric iron), Mn which are capable of precipitating soluble reactive phosphate (SRP). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, the release of total phosphorus (TP) increases dramatically but the release of SRP is close to those under static conditions. In sediments of Lake Taihu, high Fe content leads to a high ratio of Fe to P contents in sediments (Fe:P ratio). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, nutrient release is controlled by the intensity of disturbance, sediment consolidation and nutrient content in sediments. As for dissolved nutrients, especially SRP, the release is also controlled by the intensity of dynamic re-oxidation, Fe content in sediments and nutrient concentration gradient between porewater and overlying water. Based on these two release modes, the release flux in Lake Taihu has been estimated. In the static condition (i.e. laboratory experimental condition), total release of NH₄ ⁺-N for whole lake is ca. 10,000 ton/a, and PO₄ ^3?-P is ca. 900 ton/a. In the dynamic condition, nutrient release following sediment suspension was estimated according to three different intensities of wind forcing which were defined as “calm” (wind speed is less than 2 m/s), “gentle” (wind speed is greater than 2 m/s and less than 6 m/s) and “gust” (wind speed is greater than 6 m/s). The release rate in the condition of “calm” was estimated in terms of the nutrient release in the laboratory experimental static condition; whereas the release rate in conditions of “gentle” and “gust” was estimated in terms of measurement during sediment resuspension conducted in flume experiments. With the observation of wind velocity and frequency in 2001, each type of wind forcing took the frequency of 12%, 82% and 6% for “calm”, “gentle” and “gust”, respectively. The yearly release of nitrogen was 81,000 ton and phosphorus was 21,000 ton, which is about 2–6 folds of annual external loading, respectively.     

Estimation of internal nutrient release in large shallow Lake Taihu, China

Based on field investigation of wave, sediment suspension and the changes in nutrient concentration of the water column in Lake Taihu, China, we proposed two release models to quantify nutrient release under static and dynamic conditions, respectively. Under static conditions, nutrient release from sediments to the overlying water mainly depends on chemical diffusion induced by concentration gradient, in which the nutrient release is controlled by the temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration in the sediment-water interface, oxidation-reduction potential and the concentration difference between porewater and overlying water. Under dynamic condition (or disturbed condition), both dissolved and particulate nutrients in sediments are released into the water column because of wind-induced sediment suspension. The amount of nutrient release under dynamic conditions is larger than that under the static condition. The release of dissolved nutrients, however, does not increase because the wind induced turbulence made oxidation of metallic elements such as Fe (ferric iron), Mn which are capable of precipitating soluble reactive phosphate (SRP). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, the release of total phosphorus (TP) increases dramatically but the release of SRP is close to those under static conditions. In sediments of Lake Taihu, high Fe content leads to a high ratio of Fe to P contents in sediments (Fe:P ratio). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, nutrient release is controlled by the intensity of disturbance, sediment consolidation and nutrient content in sediments. As for dissolved nutrients, especially SRP, the release is also controlled by the intensity of dynamic re-oxidation, Fe content in sediments and nutrient concentration gradient between porewater and overlying water. Based on these two release modes, the release flux in Lake Taihu has been estimated. In the static condition (i.e. laboratory experimental condition), total release of NH4 -N for whole lake is ca. 10,000 ton/a, and PO43--P is ca. 900 ton/a. In the dynamic condition, nutrient release following sediment suspension was estimated according to three different intensities of wind forcing which were defined as "calm" (wind speed is less than 2 m/s), "gentle" (wind speed is greater than 2 m/s and less than 6 m/s) and "gust" (wind speed is greater than 6 m/s). The release rate in the condition of "calm" was estimated in terms of the nutrient release in the laboratory experimental static condition; whereas the release rate in conditions of "gentle" and "gust" was estimated in terms of measurement during sediment resuspension conducted in flume experiments. With the observation of wind velocity and frequency in 2001, each type of wind forcing took the frequency of 12%, 82% and 6% for "calm", "gentle" and "gust", respectively. The yearly release of nitrogen was 81,000 ton and phos- phorus was 21,000 ton, which is about 2-6 folds of annual external loading, respectively.     

Routine analysis of sediment pore water of high ionic strength

Pore water of sediments plays an important role in aquatic systems as mediator and as the reactive zone between the sediment and surface water. Sediment pore waters with high ionic strength from acidified pit lakes were investigated to obtain information about the influence on the lake water quality. The analysis of soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate, ammonium, silica, dissolved organic carbon, ferrous iron, sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and total dissolved iron was predetermined as the dataset required for evaluation of water quality. The data collection procedure was optimised by designing a methodology for stabilisation, dilution of pore water samples and adaptation of analytical methods. The developed methodology was evaluated with respect to the effort required in the laboratory under routine conditions. In the first round of analyses, 72% of 638 individual analyses from a random selection of pore water profiles were found to be within the calibration ranges. Remedial actions to handle the remaining 28% of invalid analytical results are exemplified. Differences between comparative analyses of some ions by continuous flow analysis, ion chromatography, and atomic emission spectroscopy were evaluated. The majority of results measured by ion chromatography differed on a highly significant level from results measured by atomic emission spectroscopy. Possible reasons, originating from the extreme sample matrix, are discussed. Finally, the designed methodology and the results of the method comparison are used to recommend the selection of analytical methods under specific conditions.     

四种常见湖泊沉积物氮磷通量估算方法对比分析

湖泊沉积物-水界面营养盐释放是研究湖泊环境行为的重点关注对象,但目前对于湖泊通量的估算方法选择缺乏横向定量比较.以南京莫愁湖为研究对象,在冬春夏3季采用静态释放培养法、机械搅拌培养法、流动培养法和间隙水浓度扩散模型法4种常见的湖泊通量培养方法进行氮磷释放对比实验.结果表明,非扩散模型法（静态释放、机械搅拌、流动培养）在冬季存在负通量,随着气温升高,夏季通量估算值为正,且该3种方法通量数值差异不显著.间隙水扩散模型法在三季实验中结果数值无负值,对比非扩散模型组具有显著差异,约低一个数量级.不同方法在培育过程中溶解氧和pH变化差异显著,流动培养法最为稳定.4种方法的通量结果在不同季节变化趋势具有显著相关性,非扩散模型法估算结果作为表观通量值,适用于计算湖泊沉积物营养盐释放总量,其中静态释放法结果稳定性较差,平行组相对标准偏差最高达70%;流动培养法稳定性最好,平行组相对标准偏差最高仅21%.扩散模型法估算结果作为理论释放值,在估算浅水湖泊通量时低于实际释放通量,适于探究深水湖泊沉积物间隙水动态释放过程,有助于分析湖泊沉积物性质.不同培养方法,有其侧重点,根据不同湖泊状况,应选取合适方法进行通量估算.     

城市浅水型湖泊底泥释磷的通量估算--以南京玄武湖为例

以南京玄武湖为研究对象,通过静态条件下5℃、10℃、15℃、25℃、35℃玄武湖底泥释磷室内实验计算玄武湖释磷速率,得出底泥释磷速率与上覆水温度的关系,进而算出玄武湖北湖每年磷释放量为0．815 t,东南湖每年磷释放量为 1．013t,西南湖每年磷释放量为0．266t．玄武湖每年底泥释磷总量为2．094 t．根据费克定理,建立了间隙水扩散模型,利用模型计算玄武湖北湖每年磷释放量为0．799 t,东南湖每年磷释放量为0．983 t,西南湖每年磷释放量为0．232 t．玄武湖每年底泥释磷总量为2．014t．在不考虑外源污染的情况下,由底泥磷释放造成的内源污染使玄武湖磷浓度年均维持在 0．101 mg/L,超过湖泊富营养化磷标准,因此,在切断外源污染的情况下应采取措施治理磷的内源污染．     

Estimation of internal nutrient release in large shallow Lake Taihu,China

Based on field investigation of wave, sediment suspension and the changes in nutrient concentration of the water column in Lake Taihu, China, we proposed two release models to quantify nutrient release under static and dynamic conditions, respectively. Under static conditions, nutrient release from sediments to the overlying water mainly depends on chemical diffusion induced by concentration gradient, in which the nutrient release is controlled by the temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration in the sediment-water interface, oxidation-reduction potential and the concentration difference between porewater and overlying water. Under dynamic condition (or disturbed condition), both dissolved and particulate nutrients in sediments are released into the water column because of wind-induced sediment suspension. The amount of nutrient release under dynamic conditions is larger than that under the static condition. The release of dissolved nutrients, however, does not increase because the wind induced turbulence made oxidation of metallic elements such as Fe (ferric iron), Mn which are capable of precipitating soluble reactive phosphate (SRP). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, the release of total phosphorus (TP) increases dramatically but the release of SRP is close to those under static conditions. In sediments of Lake Taihu, high Fe content leads to a high ratio of Fe to P contents in sediments (Fe:P ratio). Under dynamic conditions, therefore, nutrient release is controlled by the intensity of disturbance, sediment consolidation and nutrient content in sediments. As for dissolved nutrients, especially SRP, the release is also controlled by the intensity of dynamic re-oxidation, Fe content in sediments and nutrient concentration gradient between porewater and overlying water. Based on these two release modes, the release flux in Lake Taihu has been estimated. In the static condition (i.e. laboratory experimental condition), total release of NH₄ ⁺-N for whole lake is ca. 10,000 ton/a, and PO₄ ³⁻-P is ca. 900 ton/a. In the dynamic condition, nutrient release following sediment suspension was estimated according to three different intensities of wind forcing which were defined as “calm” (wind speed is less than 2 m/s), “gentle” (wind speed is greater than 2 m/s and less than 6 m/s) and “gust” (wind speed is greater than 6 m/s). The release rate in the condition of “calm” was estimated in terms of the nutrient release in the laboratory experimental static condition; whereas the release rate in conditions of “gentle” and “gust” was estimated in terms of measurement during sediment resuspension conducted in flume experiments. With the observation of wind velocity and frequency in 2001, each type of wind forcing took the frequency of 12%, 82% and 6% for “calm”, “gentle” and “gust”, respectively. The yearly release of nitrogen was 81,000 ton and phosphorus was 21,000 ton, which is about 2–6 folds of annual external loading, respectively.

     

氧化还原条件对红枫湖沉积物磷释放影响的微尺度分析

选取贵州红枫湖为研究对象,在实验室条件下模拟了自然、好氧和厌氧条件下沉积物内源磷的释放过程,联合应用微电极技术和沉积物磷形态分析对沉积物—水界面开展了微尺度观测与研究.结果表明,厌氧条件下红枫湖沉积物总磷含量显著降低,且主要是NaOH提取态磷(NaOH-P)和残渣态磷(rest-P)含量降低所致,厌氧条件下沉积物孔隙水中磷酸盐浓度明显升高,而好氧条件下沉积物孔隙水磷酸盐浓度显著降低,反映厌氧条件显著促进了红枫湖沉积物磷释放.厌氧条件下沉积物内部溶解氧浓度下降、硫还原活动增强可能是导致NaOH-P释放的主要原因.O_2浓度的降低加速了沉积物还原作用并产生大量H2S,进而与二价铁离子形成硫化亚铁沉淀,最终导致NaOH-P(Fe-P)释放到孔隙水中.好氧条件向厌氧条件的转换可通过改变沉积物内部pH值分布和微生物活动促使rest-P释放:厌氧条件下,厌氧微生物不仅可以消耗硫酸根产生H_2S,导致pH值降低,还可消耗有机质,将有机磷转变为无机磷.上述研究结果表明,沉积物—水界面氧化还原环境可影响沉积物氧渗透深度、pH值分布、微生物活动、硫循环以及有机质降解过程,进而控制沉积物磷的形态转化与释放.联合应用微电极技术和沉积物磷形态分析对湖泊沉积物—水界面开展微尺度观测研究是揭示沉积物内源磷释放机制与控制因素的有效途径.     

Status of nutrients in Lake Mariut,a delta lake in Egypt suffering from intensive pollution

Levels of dissolved ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and silicate, as well as chlorosity, dissolved oxygen and hydrogen sulphide in the water of Lake Mariut have been investigated over a year. This shallow brackish-water lake, situated south of Alexandria, suffers from intense pollution. Two different water bodies can be distinguished in Lake Mariut. One, occupying the eastern side of the lake, is affected by sewage and industrial waste disposal, as well as discharge of highly polluted water from Qalaa Drain. The water in this region, which had lower regional average chlorosity values, contained abnormal higher concentrations of phosphate and nitrogenous salts in the presence of H₂S. The western side was always oxic and showed higher average values of chlorosity. This western region contained lower concentrations of phosphate and nitrogenous salts, due to the influence of the relatively clean water from Umum Drain. The principal source of silicon for Lake Mariut is agricultural drainage. The annual average concentrations of phosphate and nitrogenous salts in this lake were considerably higher than those in the neighbouring comparatively less polluted Nozha Hydrodrome.     

Alkaline Degradation of Dissolved Organic Matter

The degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) was studied in alkaline solution. The products were characterised using UV/vis spectroscopy, size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC), and by the analysis of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOA). The degradation experiments were performed with water from a brown water lake or its isolated fulvic acid fraction and sodium hydroxide at different reaction times and temperatures. Depending on the wavelength and the reaction time, the UV/vis absorbance between 230 nm and 600 nm increased or decreased. The behaviour of model compounds during reactions in alkaline media was compared to the UV/vis spectroscopic behaviour of DOM. The release of LMWOA was described by kinetic data and compared to the data of model reactions. Evidence was given for the carboxylic esters playing a significant role in the release of LMWOA only during the beginning of the alkaline degradation. The results gained by SEC with on‐line UV and DOC detection showed that the average size of DOM was decreasing, and that a major part of the degradation products consisted of low‐molecular‐weight mono‐ and dicarboxylic acids.     

新建人工深水湖泊沉积物上覆水和孔隙水中溶解性有机质的光谱特征

为了揭示湖库内源性污染物的分布、来源、组成及垂向分布特征,以新建人工深水湖泊龙景湖为研究对象,采用紫外-可见光谱和三维荧光光谱技术,研究了该湖泊以成湖前用途划分的3个特征区域(原河道底部、新淹没区底部和新淹没区边坡)的沉积物上覆水和孔隙水中的溶解性有机质(DOM)的光谱特征.结果表明,孔隙水中的DOM芳香性和腐殖化程度高于上覆水;孔隙水中疏水组分含量大于上覆水,且水体中可能存在内源孔隙水释放的低分子量DOM.龙景湖上覆水和孔隙水中的DOM主要源于水体自身的微生物,自生源特征明显,且可能存在新近释放到水体的有机质.龙景湖沉积物上覆水和孔隙水中的DOM以类腐殖酸和类蛋白质为主,且随着深度增加,类腐殖酸峰强度增强,与龙景湖的建湖背景有明显联系.     

Inventory of nutrients in the Bohai

Biogeochemical observations were carried out to address the influence of major sources on nutrient composition and the ecosystem of the Bohai. Relatively high concentrations of nutrients off the Huanghe mouth and the shallow water areas were observed in the Bohai suggesting the effects of tidal and residual currents and anthropogenic perturbation. Sediment in the Bohai represents a source for ammonium, phosphate and dissolved silicate, while it is a sink for nitrite and nitrate. Benthic nutrient fluxes were 2-3 times higher than the riverine input with the regeneration rate of phosphate being slower relative to DIN and dissolved silicate. The release of dissolved silicate and phosphate from sediments may mitigate the decrease of dissolved silicate and phosphate due to the reduction of freshwater discharge. Compared with submarine groundwater discharge, nutrient regeneration in sediment provides similar DIN flux, 2-5 times phosphate and dissolved silicate fluxes. DIN/P molar ratios in the three mentioned sources were 155-845, indicating that phosphorus limitation for phytoplankton growth could be intensified, which likely results in changes of ecosystems of the Bohai.     

太湖底泥悬浮中营养盐释放的波浪水槽试验

波浪水槽中研究了小波掀沙(波高8.77cm,波周期0.8s)和大波掀沙(波高12.31cm和13.29cm,波周期1.0s)对太湖沉积物悬浮及N、P营养盐释放的作用规律.结果显示:小波掀沙时,底泥并未发生大量悬浮,SS浓度最高时仅13.6mg/L;大波掀沙时,底泥大规模悬浮,SS浓度最高达达245.2mg/L水体悬浮物、营养盐浓度变化滞后波高变化1h以上.当波高改变1h后,水体悬浮物、N、P营养盐浓度才改变到相应的平衡浓度.除总磷浓度显著提高外,小波掀沙对水体N、P浓度的影响很小,大波掀沙则显著提高了水体总氮、总溶解氮、总磷、总溶解磷、氨氮(NH4 -N)、溶解性活性磷(SRP),其中NH4 -N、SRP最大增幅达30％和20％.小波和大波掀沙过程中,水体溶解氧浓度均持续增加,掀沙2h后增高2mg/L,溶解性有机碳持续下降,2h后下降33％-51％.试验结果表明,掀沙过程中水体充氧及颗粒物的絮凝、吸附作用可能是限制NH4 -N、SRP浓度增高的重要因素之一.     

The role of sediments in the phosphorus cycle in Lake Lugano. II. Seasonal and spatial variability of microbiological processes at the sediment-water interface

P, Fe, Mn, and S species were analyzed in water samples from the sediment-water interface collected at four seasonally different times during the course of a year at two sampling sites in the southern basin of Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano). The results reveal the strong influence of the biogeochemical processes in the sediment on the chemical composition of the lake water above. Consumption of oxygen and nitrate under oxic to microoxic conditions in the water column as well as sequential release of reduced manganese and iron under anoxic conditions was observed as a direct or indirect consequence of microbially mediated degradation of organic matter. The seasonal pattern observed for the release and the retainment of dissolved reduced iron and manganese correlates well with the one for dissolved phosphate. Iron, manganese and phosphorus cycling are coupled tightly in these sediments. Both sediment types act as sinks for hydrogen sulfide and sulfate. An inner-sedimentary sulfur cycle is proposed to couple iron, manganese and phosphorus cycling with the degradation of organic matter. Nutrient cycling at the sediment-water interface might thus be driven by a microbially regulated electron pumping mechanism. The results contribute to a better understanding of the role of sediment processes in the lake's internal phosphorus cycle and its seasonal dynamics.