Stratification controls the magnitude of in-lake phosphorus cycling: insights from a morphologically complex eutrophic lake

Abstract Using a combination of sediment trap experiments, sedimentary biogeochemical analyses and mass balance calculations, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the in-lake phosphorus (P) cycles including in both the water and sediment phases for Lake Hiidenvesi, a dimictic eutrophic lake in southern Finland. We explicitly demonstrated the heterogeneity of the in-lake P cycles between basins with distinct morphological features. Enhanced interactions between waters and sediments occur in shallow and non-stratified areas, as evidenced by the magnitudes of gross sedimentation and total internal P loading. In such shallow areas, sediment resuspension contributes over 60% of the total internal P loading throughout the entire open water season. In contrast, sedimentary P cycling is less intensive in deep and stratified areas, where diffusive fluxes account for an average of 70% of total internal P loading. We show that sedimentary P burial plays a key role in controlling the in-lake P cycle. Permanent burial of P showing higher rates and efficiencies tends to occur in deeper areas. Overall, sediments in Lake Hiidenvesi act as a net P sink under modern biogeochemical settings; the lake is in the process of long-term recovery from eutrophication due to the larger annual P output than external loading.