The distribution of inorganic phosphorus in modern sediments of the Bay ofBiscay

The phosphorus geochemistry on the Bay of Biscay margin shows that modern s ediments represent a source of phosphate for overlying seawater. However, p articulate phosphorus leached with an ascorbate solution and 1 N HCl remain s constant in the sedimentary column, which suggests that inorganic particu late phosphorus is trapped in the sediment. This is due to bioturbation, wh ich carries iron oxides with high adsorption capacities for phosphate deep into the sediment, and also, to the precipitation of authigenic phosphate m inerals in the anaerobic zone of the sediment. ((C) Academie des sciences/E lsevier, Paris.).