Phosphorus in sediments of a shallow bank influenced by sewage and sugar factory effluents in Trinidad, West Indies

Total, inorganic and organic phosphorus in sediments of the Oropouche Bank, Trinidad were measured over a period of 18 months from October 1989 to March 1991. The values for inorganic phosphorus ranged from 0.006 mg g−1 to 1.164 mg g−1 while organic phosphorus ranged from 0.006 mg g−1 to 0.642 mg g−1. The relatively high values suggest that the bank may represent a storehouse of potential dissolved phosphate to the water column. Month-to-month variations are greater for inshore areas. The extent of the month-to-month variation may be an indication that the inshore areas serve only as a temporary sink for inorganic phosphorus. The most likely sources appear to be domestic and industrial wastes.