Evaluation of a modified sequential P extraction protocol

Quantification of Fe(II)-P as a separate phase in seven different freshwater sediments

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Sina Haasler (University of Southern Denmark)

Simon David Herzog (Roskilde University)

David W. O'Connell (Trinity College Dublin)

Worachart Wisawapipat (Kasetsart University)

Qian Wang (Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology)

Michael Hupfer (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg)

J. Papera de Oliveira (TU Delft - BT/Environmental Biotechnology, Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology)

Theis Kragh (University of Southern Denmark)

Anna Marie Klamt (University of Southern Denmark)

Kasper Reitzel (University of Southern Denmark)

DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1002/lom3.10716 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Journal title
Limnology and Oceanography: Methods
Issue number
10
Volume number
23
Pages (from-to)
765-784
Downloads counter
113
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Abstract

Sequential phosphorus (P) extraction (SPE) is a well-established and widely applied method for quantitatively and qualitatively determining the critical nutrient P in freshwater sediments. It allows the estimation of P bioavailability and facilitates the evaluation of the long-term effects of eutrophication mitigation measures. Most current protocols do not differentiate between redox-sensitive Fe(III)-P and more stable reduced Fe(II)-P minerals, such as vivianite. In this study, we tested a modified SPE protocol designed to quantify Fe(II)-P (vivianite-P) as a separate phase through the complexation of Fe(II) with 2,2′-bipyridine (Bipy). Seven lakes were selected as study sites with different sedimentary Fe and P contents and restoration histories. We validated the Bipy extraction step through direct comparison with results from the conventional protocol and the application of direct mineral detection methods, including x-ray absorption near-edge structure at the Fe and P K-edges, x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The Bipy fraction was primarily extracting P that was conventionally extracted in the bicarbonate-dithionite (redox-sensitive Fe/Mn-bound) and NaOH (metal-[Fe/Al-]bound) fractions. The results from the direct detection methods indicated that the extracted Fe(II)-P was predominantly vivianite. The efficiency of the Bipy extraction was decreased in samples with high crystallinity, but excessive Fe(II) or high organic content had minimal impact. Hence, it is highly recommended to use x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption near edge structure in combination with the modified extraction protocol. Overall, the method tested with different freshwater sediments provides robust results when quantification of Fe(II)-P including vivianite is an important objective.