Distributions of matrix-bound phosphine in surface sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

Concentrations of matrix-bound phosphine (MBP) in the surface sediments of the Yangtze Estuary were investigated in the present study using gas chromatography coupled with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD), and the potential environmental factors were discussed. It was shown that the MBP concentrations were relatively higher in May than in November, with the ranges of 139-426 ng·kg^-1 and 111-192 ng·kg^-1, respectively. Also, there was the significant spatial difference in MBP concentrations at the study area. In addition, it was observed that MBP was significantly related to TP, IP, OP, pH, and activities of APA in the surface sediments. However, no significant correlations were found between MBP, organic carbon and salinity.