Phosphorus dynamics and productivity in a sewage-impacted lowland chalk stream

SummaryHourly in situ phosphorus, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll measurements were collected from January 2004 to November 2006 for the River Kennet, 2 km downstream of a sewage effluent inlet. Excess carbon dioxide pressure (EpCO2) was calculated from continuous pH and spot alkalinity measurements. EpCO2 and dissolved oxygen were used to estimate rates of photosynthesis and respiration. These parameters were examined alongside flow, water temperature and solar radiation to explore controls on phosphorus dynamics and in-stream productivity. Diurnal, event and seasonal patterns were observed in phosphorus concentrations. The diurnal and seasonal variations appeared to be related to the upstream sewage treatment works. The event patterns coincided with periods of high flow, and were attributed to diffuse sources. Chlorophyll behaved independently of phosphorus concentration and returned to baseline levels before photosynthesis rate. This indicated that, during the period of study, in-stream productivity was primarily controlled by aquatic plants other than phytoplankton.