Dissolved phosphate concentrations in Iowa shallow groundwater

Abstract

Regional groundwater phosphorus (P) concentrations are rarely reported, and it is important to develop a better understanding of background concentrations in shallow groundwater to help develop strategies to mitigate environmental risks. In this study, results collected from 17 different Iowa-based studies conducted from 2006 to 2019 and a total of 210 discrete locations of water table dissolved phosphate (DPO43−) measurements are summarized (a) to assess the occurrence, range, and statistical distribution of groundwater DPO43− concentrations in Iowa and (b) to evaluate statewide patterns of DPO43−concentrations related to land use or land cover and landscape position. The DPO43− concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.56 mg L−1 and averaged 0.15 ± 0.19 mg L−1 with a median value of 0.10 mg L−1 (95% confidence interval of 0.08–0.11 mg L−1). Although minor variations were observed among land cover class and landscape position, concentrations exhibited uniformity across the state, likely attesting to the legacy of P from historical agricultural management. Median concentrations are higher than typical water quality criteria used to assess risk to surface water systems, implying that simply discharging groundwater DPO43− to streams, rivers, and lakes would be sufficient to cause environmental degradation.