Adsorption of phosphate on tidal flat surface sediments from the Yangtze Estuary

Adsorption of phosphate (PO₄-P) by sediments of nine sites taken from the Yangtze Estuarine and coastal tidal flats were studied in a laboratory. The results indicate that the process of phosphorus adsorption onto sediments mainly occurred within 0-10 h, and then reached a dynamic equilibrium. This experimental finding has shown maximum adsorption rates (ad-R) occurred within 0-0.5 h, ranging from 10.40-56.40 mg/kg h with regional differences. The adsorption rates were obviously related to concentrations of fine particles (<63 μm) in the sediments. Adsorption isotherm curves were fitted to the modified Langmuir equation. Adsorption capacities (ad-C) varied from 26.32 to 204.08 mg/kg, and showed good affinities for Fe³⁺ and TOC concentrations. The adsorption efficiency (ad-E) of phosphate on sediments ranged from 21.55 to 248.30 L/kg, showing a close correlation with TOC concentrations. A correlation between environmental factors and phosphate adsorption is presented in this experiment. Phosphate adsorption is susceptible to changes in pH, temperature and salinity conditions.