Forms of phosphorus in sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk

The occurrence of total P (P-TOT) and the mineral forms of P (P-MIN) [P bonded with Ca (P–Ca), Fe (P–Fe) and Al (P–Al)] in sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk were investigated. Significant variations in the forms of P with depth in the sediment column were observed. P–Ca is the dominant form in the sediments except in the surface sediments of the deep areas of the Gulf of Gdańsk where organic P (P-ORG) is dominant. These areas also contain the highest contents of P-TOT in the region.