Phosphorus transport by the largest Amazon tributary (Madeira River, Brazil) and its sensitivity to precipitation and damming

• Originating in the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes, the Madeira River is the largest tributary of the Amazon River in terms of discharge. Andean rivers transport large quantities of nutrient-rich suspended sediments and are the main source of phosphorus (P) to the Amazon basin. Here, we show the seasonal variability in concentrations and loads of different P forms (total, particulate, dissolved, and soluble reactive P) in the Madeira River through 8 field campaigns between 2009 and 2011. At our sampling reach in Porto Velho, Brazil, the Madeira River transports similar to 177-247 Gg yr(-1) of P, mostly linked to particles (similar to 85%). Concentrations and loads of all P forms have a maximum at rising waters and a minimum at low waters. Total P concentrations were substantially higher at a given discharge at rising water than at a similar discharge at falling water. The peak of P concentrations matched the peak of rainfall in the upper basin, suggesting an influence of precipitation-driven erosion. Projected precipitation increase in the eastern slopes of the Andes could enhance sediment yield and hence the P transport in the Madeira River. Because most of the P is particulate, however, we hypothesize that the planned proliferation of hydropower dams in the Madeira basin has the potential to reduce P loads substantially, possibly counteracting any precipitation-related increases. In the long term, this could be detrimental to highly productive downstream floodplain forests that are seasonally fertilized with P-rich deposits.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Amazon

Andes

floodplain

hydropower dams

Madeira River

phosphorus

precipitation

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)