| During the past century, the sediment deposition rate has been assessed by measuring excess Pb-210 activity in a sediment core sampled in the harbour area of the Papeete Lagoon (Tahiti, French Polynesia). Dated sediment samples were analysed following a sequential extraction method to quantify five sedimentary phosphorus pools: loosely sorbed or exchangeable phosphorus, ferric iron-bound phosphorus, authigenic calcium carbonate associated phosphorus, detrital apatite and detritic inorganic phosphorus, acid organic phosphorus. Results from sediment dating showed the core to cover the period from 1865 to 1995, with a sharp change around 1957 corresponding to a doubling in sediment deposition rates. From the bottom to the top of the core, concentrations... |
