Introducing Sediment Phosphorus Fractionation

The sediment phosphorus fractionation (SPF) test is arguably the most informative single test that can be done to properly manage filamentous and planktonic harmful algae blooms (HABs). Unlike water testing of phosphorus (P), which constantly changes over time and depth, the SPF test provides a consistent and accurate measurement of phosphorus that could drive algae blooms in a lake. Typically, 50-80 % of the water column P can be traced back to the sediment or muck layer.

The SPF test is a snapshot in time that tells us:

1. How much mobile P has accumulated since the lake or pond was built.
2. Direct estimate into how much sediment P is driving HABs via inputting the data into water quality models.
3. How the phosphorus can be effectively addressed with products like MetaFloc and MuckBiotics.

Total sediment phosphorus (TP) values > 500 mg/kg are considered high, but the availability of that P cannot be known from total P concentrations, hence the importance of SPF. Any P fractionation value > 50 mg/kg is considered elevated and may cause algal blooms. Reductant bound (oxygen/redox-dependent), labile P (easily exchangeable gradient-dependent), and organic bound P are the dominant available fractions, with the highest release rates and most easily accessible to algae.

Our testing protocol follows the industry-standard method originally developed by  Psenner  1988 and will provide direct measurements of all phosphorus-bound sediment. It also includes refractory and labile organic-bound P, important for dosing MuckBiotics and understanding organic-bound P release. This information, paired with external P load estimates, provides the foundation for developing a P budget and water quality model that can be used to determine how restoration efforts will impact water quality.