Eutrophication is a major problem at many locations in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. Its characteristics include the overgrowth of algae, followed by algal death, and then biochemical degradation, which depletes marine life of essential oxygen. Large amounts of phosphorus leaching into the water from surrounding soil can encourage algal growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the phosphate holding capacity of soil as well as soil amendments that may increase the anion holding capacity. Using sand as a base soil, the holding capacity was compared when adding in various soil components such as organic matter and clay. Additionally, natural soil amendments such as gypsum (calcium sulfate) and lime (calcium carbonate) were used to investigate if their addition can increase the phosphate holding capacity. It was found that gypsum had the greatest positive impact on phosphate holding capacity and strength when added to the soil at only 1% composition. Additionally, gypsum does not affect soil pH. Our current work is focused on gypsum’s effects under a range of soil parameters, including a variety of pH, organic matter content, and clay content. This information holds the potential to positively impact the future of fresh water conservation and restoration through a better understanding of what role soil’s characteristics play on the effectiveness of gypsum as a phosphate adsorber.

Phosphate adsorption to soil upon addition of natural soil amendments

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.