Speciation of phosphorus in Lake Dang of Ngaoundere-Cameroon

In this study, we investigated the nature of phosphate phase present in sediment of Lake Dang. The phosphate speciation was determined by sequential extraction method. The concentration of phosphate in solution was measured by the ammonium molybdate method with ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. Water and sediment (surface and bottom) were sampled at eight points around the lake by taking into account activities around the lake during dry and rainy seasons. The results showed five forms of phosphorus presents in the sediments. The rank order obtained was Res-P < P-L < P-OM < P-Ca < P-Fe with the prevalence of inorganic phosphorus (P-L + P-Ca + P-Fe) than organic phase. The average phosphorus (P) content was 133, 86, and 52 μg g−1 for the surface layer (A, 0–5 cm), medium layer (B, 5–10 cm), and bottom layer (C, 10–15 cm), respectively. This P-content depletion with depth can be explained mainly by oxygen depletion with depth which enhance P desorption. Except P-L form, the P contents were higher in rainy season compared to the dry season. The results of principal component analysis indicate that inorganic phosphorus (P-L + P-Ca + P-Fe) were linked and were provided mainly by car-washing. It appears clearly that phosphorus content vary significantly during the seasons. These results showed also that the amount of (P-Fe) is higher than the others whatever the season. This P form is easily labile and bioavailable which suggest that it can unfortunately enhance greatly the eutrophication of Lake Dang.