Phosphorus availability from bottom sediments of lakes using a nuclear technique

Availability of phosphorus from the bottom sediments of a lake plays an import role in the development of aquatic biota and in the enhancement of the eutrophication process. In this work, the³¹P–³²P isotopic exhange (E values) technique was applied to assess the potential influence of this phosphorus reservoir on the water quality of the Acaray and Yguazú Dams in the Easter Region of Paraguay. Samples analyzed were taken from the bottom sediments of the water body at different sites as well as from the shores. The method is reliable and yields information of potential ecological significance.This work has been done during field campaigns for the study of water quality and eutrophication that are being carried out by Hydroconsult for the Paraguayan-Brazilian entity, ITAIPU BINACIONAL, in the area of influence of the Itaipú Dam built on the Parana River by the two countries.