Characterization of phosphorus in algae from a eutrophic lake by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Authors: FENG, WEIYING - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; LI, CUICUI - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; ZHANG, CHEN - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; LIU, SHASHA - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; SONG, FANHAO - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; GUO, WENJING - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; He, Zhongqi; LI, TINGTING - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences; CHEN, HAIYAN - Chinese Research Academy Of Environmental Sciences

Submitted to: Limnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/12/2018
Publication Date: 4/1/2019
Citation: Feng, W., Li, C., Zhang, C., Liu, S., Song, F., Guo, W., He, Z., Li, T., Chen, H. 2019. Characterization of phosphorus in algae from a eutrophic lake by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Limnology. 20:163-171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10201-018-0562-2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10201-018-0562-2

Interpretive Summary: The identification and quantification of phosphorus (P) compounds derived from algal biomass are crucial for a better understanding of algal P dynamics in lake ecosystems. Quantity and species of P in algae collected from six sites of a typical eutrophic lake (Chao Lake) in China were analyzed by chemical analysis and solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P NMR). The data demonstrated a significant heterogeneity of algal organic P species and their spatial distribution in the heavily polluted Lake. The characterization work suggested that the bioavailability of algal P serving as a source of indigenously bioavailable P in aquatic environments, and identified that the indigenously bioavailable P contributed to repeated lake algae bloomings while external P input decreased. Therefore, remediation of the lake needs the strategy to out-take the algal biomass P effectively.

Technical Abstract: The identification and quantification of phosphorus (P) compounds derived from algal biomass are crucial for a better understanding of algal P dynamics in lake ecosystems. Quantity and species of P in algae collected from six sites of a typical eutrophic lake (Chao Lake) in China were analyzed by chemical analysis and solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P NMR). Total P (TP) in algae biomass of Chao Lake ranged from 2671 mg•kg-1 to 5385 mg•kg-1of dry matter. Proportion of organic P (Po) accounted for 78.3 ± 2.6% in algae biomass collected from the western part of Chao Lake, which was higher than that (64.7± 1.4%) in the eastern part of the lake. Twelve P species including inorganic P species (orthophosphate and pyrophosphate) and Po species (9 monoester P and 1 diester P) were identified in the NaOH-EDTA extracts of the six algal samples by solution 31P NMR. Monoester P accounted for 48.5% (average) in extracted TP, which was the main component of Po. More specifically, Guanosine 2' monophosphate was the dominant form in monoester P compounds in algae from Chao lake, accounted for 18.8% of extracted P. Percentage of diester P in the algae from the western part of Chao Lake was higher than those from the eastern part of Chao Lake. This study improved the knowledge on the mechanism of the cycling of endogenous P in the aquatic system and would be helpful in developing the strategy for control of repeated algae blooming in the eutrophic Chao Lake.