Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS08 Processes at the Benthic Interface (Environmental Connections)

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001, Time: 4:00:00 PM

Location: Ruidoso/Pecos

Kipphut, G, W, Murray State University, Murray, USA, george.kipphut@murraystate.edu

Richard, H, M, Murray State University, Murray, USA, kenandheather.richard@worldnet.att.net

Ridout, G, L, Murray State University, Murray, USA, granger.ridout@murraystate.edu

SEDIMENT-WATER FLUXES OF NUTRIENTS AND DISSOLVED GASES IN KENTUCKY LAKE RESERVOIR

We have been measuring sediment-water fluxes of dissolved nutrients and gases in Kentucky Lake, the largest reservoir within the Tennessee River Valley. These studies have been conducted as part of a larger project assessing biogeochemical processes affecting carbon accumulation, metabolism, and mineralization within Kentucky Lake. Approximately thirty flux measurements have been made with benthic chambers. Sediment-water fluxes are strongly dependent on water temperature. Nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes from the sediments to overlying waters are significant in terms of reservoir ecology. We estimate that the sediment-water fluxes supply the majority of the nutrient requirements of primary production within the water column during the summer season. Sediment-water fluxes of phosphorus occur even though the water column is always well oxygenated in this un-stratified reservoir. Concurrent studies are attempting to relate these chemical fluxes to microbial activity in the sediments. The Kentucky Lake water column is supersaturated with carbon dioxide and methane with respect to atmospheric exchange. Benthic chamber measurements suggest that the sediments are a significant, but not the only source for these gases to the water column.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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