A kinetic approach to the aerobic sediment-water exchange of phosphorus in Lake Esrom

An empirical equation for the temperature-dependent sediment-water exchange of phosphorus, describing exchange as the sum of desorption, diffusion and biological degradation processes, is derived from previous experiments and observed temperature-exchange relationships. Additional equations for littoral and profundal exchange rates are developed. Calculated exchange values are compared with observed exchange values and the ratio: nitrogen released/phosphorus released compared with the sedimentation of phosphorus.