Bioavailability of nutrients in turbid waters

"June 1992".

Project Number: Bioavailability of nutrients in turbid waters - M/03/5111; LWRRDC Project no 88/74.

MDFRC item.

Publication associated with project: Serrano, L. and Boon, P.I. (1991) Effect of polyphenolic compounds on alkaline phosphatase activity: its implication for phosphorus regeneration in Australian freshwaters. Archiv für Hydrobiologie 123(1): 1-19.

The original objectives were as follows: Measure the concentration of the major particulate and soluble forms of phosphorus in selected waters of the Murray-Darling basin. Determine the spatial and temporal variation in their concentration and the rate of phosphorus exchange between them; Determine the influence of particle size, including the role of colloids, on adsorption and desorption of phosphorus; Determine the effect on nutrient kinetics of the organic layer associated with suspended particulate matter, and compare this with the role of the underlying inorganic matrix; Assess the role of extracellular enzymes, exuded by microbes, in increasing the release of nutrients from suspended particles, and compare this with the release due to chemical equilibrium reactions; Determine the availability of the various phosphorus forms using bioassays with cultures of indigenous algae, and quantify the role of bacteria in the nutrient exchange process.