Characterization of sediments of Yamoussoukro lake system (Côte d'Ivoire) and their phosphorus speciation [Caractérisation des sédiments du système lacustre de Yamoussoukro (Côte d'Ivoire) et spéciation de leurs phosphores]

Phosphorus,a dominant element of inland waters eutrophication was studied on the lake water matrix system of yamoussoukro. in order to assess the potential mobility of this element in sediments,our work was achieved to characterize the lake sediments of this system,and then to evaluate the forms of their constitutive phosphorus. to reach this purpose,sequential extraction by the method of paludan & jensen was used due to its easiness implementation. the ph of extraction solutions was adjusted to that of the sediment in order to minimize disruption of the matrix including the hydrolysis of organic moieties. this work showed that sediment textures were composed of clay and silt,with high levels of iron (average: 1909.85 μg/g). total phosphorus contents in sediments varied from one lake to another,with values ranging from 765.6 μg per g to 1202.8 μg per g. speciation reveals that phosphorus sediments studied is present in inorganic form (81% to 91%). the fraction bound to the organic material ranges from 14-24% of total phosphorus and based on lakes.