Fluxes, patterns and sources of phosphorus deposition in an urban-rural transition region in Southwest China.

Understanding the patterns of atmospheric phosphorus (P) deposition is essential for assessing the global P biogeochemical cycle. The atmospheric phosphorus (P) is an essential source of P in agricultural activities as well as eutrophication in waters; however, the information on P deposition is relatively less paid attention, especially in the anthropogenic influencing region. Therefore, this study chose a typical urban-rural transition as a representative to monitor the dry and wet P depositions for two years. The results showed that the fluxes of atmospheric total P deposition ranged from 0.50 to 1.06 kg P hm-2 yr-1, and the primary form was atmospheric dry P deposition (76.13%, 0.76~0.84 kg hm-2 yr-1). Moreover, it was found that the monthly variations of P deposition were strongly influenced by meteorological factors, including precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity. However, the fluxes of dry P deposition and total P deposition were more affected by land use, which increased with the agro-facility, town, and paddy field areas, but decreased with the forest and country road areas. These findings suggested that dry P deposition was the primary form of total P deposition, and P deposition could be both affected by meteorological factors and land use types. Thus, proper management of land use may help mitigate the pollution caused by P deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]