Effect of monsoon on distribution of total and inorganic phosphorous in sediment of Setiu Lagoon, South China Sea

Abstract

This study focused on the monsoon effect on the distribution of the total and inorganic phosphorous in sediment at Setiu Lagoon. Sampling was done three times from September until December 2007. Fourteen sampling stations were chosen and the sediment collected was the surface sediment. The concentration of first, second and third sampling for total phosphorous were 3.263 + 3.255 mg/Kg, 17.168 + 2.689 mg/Kg and 3.830 + 1.008 mg/Kg respectively. Same goes to the inorganic concentration, that is

1.376 + 1.247 mg/Kg, 14. 201 + 8.595 mg/Kg and 1.881 + 1.844 mg/Kg for first, second and third sampling period. The statistical analysis shows that, there are significant difference (P < 0.05) among the sampling period for total phosphorous (P = 0.000) and inorganic phosphorous (P = 0.000). Whereas there are no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the station for the total phosphorous (P = 0.070) and inorganic phosphorous (P = 0.125). Generally, the total and inorganic phosphorous is highest during the pre -

monsoon, followed by North East monsoon and South West monsoon.