Determining algal-available phosphorus in pulp and paper mill effluents: algal assays vs routine phosphorus analyses.
We determined the potentially algal-available P (P(aa)) in pulp and paper mill effluents by two bioassay techniques (a dual-culture assay and a batch approach) and compared it with chemically analysed P (total P, total dissolved P, reactive P, dissolved reactive P and dissolved hydrolysable P). The mean P(aa) given by the dual-culture assay was within a 40% range of that given by the batch approach. The P(aa) obtained by both bioassays differed from total P. Dissolved reactive P appeared to be the most readily available chemical P fraction, but other P fractions also contributed to P(aa). The analysis of reactive P, which involves direct staining of an unfiltered sample, best approximated the P(aa) given by the dual-culture assay (relative error 9%). The results suggest that assessment of eutrophying effluent P can be improved by analysing simple chemical P fractions in wastewater. The fractions to be analysed, however, may be site specific.
Ekholm
Petri
P
Finnish Environment Institute, PO Box 140, 00251 Helsinki, Finland. petri.ekholm@ymparisto.fi
Jouttijärvi
Timo
T
Priha
Maarit
M
Rita
Hannu
H
Nurmesniemi
Hannu
H
D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods; D001682:Biological Availability; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D056890:Eukaryota; D005068:Eutrophication; D005387:Finland; D016468:Forestry; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D007220:Industrial Waste; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010758:Phosphorus