Differences in atmospheric phosphorus deposition amongst rural and urban land use locations in Missouri

Atmospheric phosphorus (AP) produced by both anthropogenic and natural processes influences phytoplankton productivity and alters carbon processing in water bodies, resulting in potential impairment and toxic phytoplankton blooms. The production of AP, which is oftentimes transported vast distances by wind dispersal in the form of enriched mineral dust, can be re-deposited by wet (precipitation based) or dry (continual) deposition. Both rural and urban locations in Missouri experience varying anthropogenic activities; therefore, distinguishing between varying land use locations at these sites provides insight as to why AP may differ. The objective of this study is to determine if AP deposition differs among rural and urban land use locations in Missouri. When soil has been recently agitated and readily exposed, we hypothesize this additional P in the atmosphere will result in higher bulk deposition flux totals (BD) in rural locations. AP was collected from three rural locations and three urban locations, using a standard sized utility bucket, altered to reduce debris. After each two-week sampling period, a total sample water volume for each site is collected, total P is analyzed (TP), which determines the BD flux of each site by factoring the time it took to collect each sample (4 samples over approximately 70 days). Rural locations had the highest BD. Rural locations were not significantly different than urban locations (F5,18 = 1.667, p = 0.194). Further analysis of AP and the implication on water bodies is needed, as AP analysis is exceedingly rare. A multitude of differing land use practices results in variables that contribute significantly to the production of AP.Crystal Rein, Sarahi Viscarra Arellano, Karl Friesen-Hughes, Ashley King, Alexia Marten, Corey Sanderson, Jason J Venkiteswaran, Helen Baulch, Nora Jessie Casson, Colin J Whitfield, and Rebecca North (University of Missouri, University of Saskatchewan, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Winnipeg