Mobility of phosphorus induced by sediment resuspension in the Three Gorges Reservoir by flume experiment

Abstract

The mobility of phosphorus (P) induced by sediment resuspension have been examined in a circulated flume. During the flume run, the water level and velocity were monitored, and water samples were taken for measurement of sediment and P concentrations. Peak values of both the P and sediment concentrations existed at x=4m, and then decreased slightly along the flume due to deposition. A faster P release was observed for coarser sediment, while a more sustained P release for finer sediment. Combining with the measured data from Yangtze River and sorption experiment, the relation between the load of total P (LTP) and sediment load (Qs) was estimated, and the expressions of distribution coefficient Kd and the concentration of particulate P (PP) were obtained. This study established a bridge between the small-scale sorption experiment and the field observation of natural scale, providing references for the management of contaminated sediment in natural rivers.

Keywords: Flume experiment; Phosphorus mobility; Sediment resuspension; Three Gorges Reservoir.