Matrix bound phosphine in sediments of the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent shelf areas

Matrix bound phosphine (MBP) is commonly considered an important phosphorus form in the natural environment. This paper presents an investigation of the spatial distribution of MBP and its relationship with the environmental factors in the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent shelf areas (29.5–32°N, 122–124°E). A total of 32 surface sediment samples were collected from April 24 to 30, 2008. MBP was detected in all samples from the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent shelf surface sediments (0.1–29.7 ng kg−1). The concentration of MBP decreased from the Changjiang Estuary to the East China Sea shelf. Environmental factors such as organic matter, type of sediments, and redox conditions were found to affect the concentration and distribution of MBP in the marine sediments. Although the MBP levels were low in the marine sediments, the marine biogeochemical cycles of MBP in sediments were established and the information presented here will contribute to the understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus.