title: Conversion of dissolved phosphorus in runoff by ferric sulfate to a form less available to algae: Field performance and cost assessment.
abstract: Conversion of dissolved P by ferric sulfate into a particulate form sparingly available to algae was studied in 15 ditches in Finland using stand-alone dispensers for ferric sulfate administration. Ferric sulfate typically converted 60-70 % of dissolved P into iron-associated form, a process which required 250-650 kg per kg dissolved P. Mean cost was 160 EUR per kg P converted (range 20-400 EUR kg(-1)). The costs were lowest at sites characterized by high dissolved P concentrations and small catchment area. At best, the treatment was efficient and cost-effective, but to limit the costs and the risks, ferric sulfate dispensers should only be installed in small critical source areas.
authors: Natural Resources Institute Finland, 31600, Jokioinen, Finland, risto.uusitalo@luke.fi.
authors: Risto
authors: R
authors: Uusitalo
authors: Aaro
authors: A
authors: Närvänen
authors: Antti
authors: A
authors: Kaseva
authors: Aino
authors: A
authors: Launto-Tiuttu
authors: Janne
authors: J
authors: Heikkinen
authors: Päivi
authors: P
authors: Joki-Heiskala
authors: Kimmo
authors: K
authors: Rasa
authors: Tapio
authors: T
authors: Salo
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D005308:Fertilizers / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005308:Fertilizers; D010758:Phosphorus; C024823:ferric sulfate