Phosphorus mass balance in a highly eutrophic semi-enclosed inlet near a big metropolis: A small inlet can contribute towards particulate organic matter production

► Eutrophication processes in an enclosed water body lying near a big metropolis were quantified. ► About 90% of the DIP input into the inlet is transformed to PMA-P. ► The sediment in this inlet is significantly affected by organic phosphorus sedimentation. ► The release flux of phosphorus from the sediment is high. ► The small inlet serves as a phosphorus source.