ALBERT

Notes: Abstract This work aims at studying the microbial and physical-chemical changes occurring in an equatorial hydroelectric reservoir Petit Saut (French Guiana), over three years, from the time it first filled. Since filling in January 1994, almost the whole water column has remained anoxic, with high concentrations of reduced elements (CH4, iron sulphides, H2S) originating from degradation of the submerged primary forest. These elements deoxygenated the water drained from the dam, as they were biologically and chemically oxidized in the river. Two major physiological guilds of microorganisms occurred. They showed a characteristic stratified arrangement in the lake, below and above an oxycline. Since flooding, we observed a cyclic development of phototrophic bacteria, assumed to be sulphur-oxidizers below the oxycline. The growth of this physiological guild seems to be strongly influenced by sulphide production and by the alternation between rainy and dry seasons. At the oxycline, the population of methane-oxidizing bacteria did not vary in the same way as the green sulphur bacteria. After a lag-phase, which was probably due to inhibition by excessive illumination in the upper water column in 1994, they developed and completely stopped diffusive methane emission in February 1995. The development of both bacterial guilds is directly correlated to changes in the level of the corresponding reduced elements from the bottom and dissolved in the lake water. The decreasing production of CH4 and sulphides induces a progressive extinction of methanotrophic bacteria and phototrophic sulphur-oxidizing bacteria. Meanwhile, the water is becoming clearer and algal populations proliferate in the upper water column, constituting an autochtonous source of organic carbon. Slowly, this aquatic ecosystem is reaching a low-activity equilibrium level related to reduced element production. It is evolving from a system ruled by an anaerobic organotrophic metabolism to an ecosystem governed by phototrophy.

Notes: Abstract Located in western France, the Pen Mur dam of Muzillac (Morbihan) is mainly used for the production of drinking water and for fishing. Over the past few years, the upstream part of this eutrophic waterbody has been invaded by Egeria densa. To define suitable methods for the management of this plant, a 1996 study focused on the morphometric characteristics of the reservoir, the quality of its water and sediments, the diversity of its vegetation and various aspects of colonisation by E. densa. Analyses of usage and pollution were also made, as well as a review of the techniques available to control the development of this species. Based on the results of this study, a management plan was put forward. Studies in 1997 and 1998 showed a significant decline in the level of colonisation. This was probably due to the substantial floods which uprooted submerged plants in winter, followed by massive ice formation during winter and warm temperatures in spring leading to a development of cyanobacteria which are detrimental to macrophytes. Monitoring the competition between E. densa and the cyanobacteria could lead to determination of the causes of the predominance of one or the other.

Notes: Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigation which lasted three years, on the effects of impounding a river on its zooplankton community. Forty zooplankton samples were collected from the Desaulniers River and from a string bog (53°35′N, 77°35′W) in 1976 before impoundment. Sampling was also conducted in 1977 (331 samples) and 1978 (153 samples) during and after impoundment. The population dynamics of zooplankton show different patterns in 1977 and 1978. The main impacts of impoundment on the river and the bog communities are the increase of the population density, particulary of Rotifera and Copepoda, the increase of the number of species of Rotifera and the increase of the diversity indices based on numbers and biomass. These changes are observed at each sampling station. The total biomass increases in lotic stations but decreases in the string bog because the density and the biomass of Cladocera increases in the river but drops in the bog. Results are compared to those obtained in natural lakes and bog of the same area and to those published in other studies.

Notes: Abstract The development of a seasonal succession of phytoplankton species in Rutland Water is described. The factors controlling their succession and abundance are discussed in relation to changes in physical and chemical variables. At present, input of water from the catchment and by pumping from the Rivers Welland and Nene, has the greatest influence on phytoplankton abundance.

Notes: Abstract The bathymetric distribution of the eight most abundant taxa of chironomid larvae is described from benthic grab samples collected in Rutland Water from May 1977 to April 1979. Cricotopus, Psectrocladius and Endochironomus larvae were generally restricted to water less than 9 m deep. Procladius, Chironomus, Microtendipes, Polypedilum and Tanytarsini larvae were all recorded at depths down to 25 m. However, the highest population densities of the latter five taxa were recorded in shallow water. The results are discussed in relation to the diet of trout and certain management practices at the reservoir. Also described is the application of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) to the analysis of these data.

Notes: Abstract This paper illustrates how practical conservation management has helped to create a nature reserve of international importance for wildfowl. The development of existing and introduced habitats has produced a wide diversity of fauna and flora without causing an unnatural ecological balance and close liaison with other reservoir users has establoshed zoning areas free from disturbance resulting in both man and birds benefiting from such agreements.

Notes: Abstract Lake Texoma in southcentral Oklahoma was formed by the impoundment of the Washita and Red Rivers. The Red River is more highly saline than the Washita and creates a complex salinity gradient across the reservoir. Populations of chironomids were monitored with multiple-plate samplers in areas of high (34–113 mg l−1 Cl−), intermediate (35–60 mg l−1 Cl−) and low (4–27 mg l−1 Cl−) salinity during the spring and summer of 1978. Food availability, temperature, salinity and wind direction influenced the distribution of the 14 genera and at least 22 species of chironomids which colonized the multiple-plate samplers. Filter-feeders attained their highest densities in the river-arm stations where levels of particulate organic matter (POM) were high. Algal grazers attained their highest densities in the clear intermediate area where the plates of the samplers were covered with algal mats. Most of the genera believed to be feeding primarily on POM decreased in density as the temperature and density of Glyptotendipes sp. rose. Certain species were restricted to either the Red River arm or the Washita River arm and this is probably a reflection of different salinity tolerances.

Notes: Abstract A study of a stocked upland reservoir trout fishery, using gill nets, revealed the presence of a large stock of pike and poor trout numbers. The overall growth rate of pike was slow. Two year-classes of pike dominated, but the broad age and length frequency ranges, and the high average weight of individuals were indicative of an unexploited stock. Higher than normal water levels during the spawning period and into the summer period in both 1985 and 1986, coincided with the dominant pike year-classes recorded several years later.

Notes: Abstract The impact of phosphorus control on the nutrient dynamics and biological activity of Foxcote Reservoir, a small impounded reservoir operated by Anglian Water are discussed. Phosphorus precipitation using iron salts was commenced in 1981 to improve the treatability of previously algal-laden water and continued until 1994 when the reservoir was closed as a water supply source. A marked decrease in algal biomass was observed after an initial delay, which coincided with an increase in the abundance of aquatic macrophytes. There were also marked shifts in the macrophyte community during the following 10 years, with an increase in Elodea and an initial increase then decline in Chara. The zooplankton community also changed with an increase in the larger bodied Daphma pulex. No overall change in the rate of denitrification was observed, although patterns of silica depletion showed changes in frequency. Trends in wildfowl counts over this period reflect changes in the ecology of the reservoir.

Notes: Abstract The distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates along a water depth gradient were studied in thermal and ambient temperature areas of a reservoir in the southeastern United States. Benthic samples were taken at 10 depths (0.16–5 m) during January–April, 1978. Factors affecting the depth distribution of Ceratopogonidae, Chaoboridae, Chironomidae, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, and Trichoptera are discussed. The relationship between abundance of organisms and water depth was more complex than an inverse relationship generally reported in the literature.

Notes: Abstract The landscape problems encountered at Rutland Water were: 1) the reconciliation of the reservoir and its works with the rural surroundings; 2) siting and treatment of all ancillary works; 3) mitigation of exposure of shore by draw-down; 4) the provision of opportunities for recreation without damage to the environment; and 5) conservation of nature. The means adopted were: 1) forward planning; 2) consultation and co-operation with all interests concerned; 3) extensive planting of native species and of ground shaping; and 4) arrangements for appropriate maintenance.

Notes: Abstract The options available for the management of Rutland Water are identified and their use discussed. The changes in the chemistry of the stored water with regard to sulphate, silica (molybdate-reactive), dissolved reactive phosphate and total oxidised nitrogen are shown.

Notes: Abstract The River Nile receives most of its sediment load from the Atbara and Blue Nile rivers, which carry eroded sediments north from the Ethiopian mountains during the seasonal flood period between August and October. Prior to the construction and operation of the High Aswan Dam, in 1964, 9–10 × 106 metric tons of suspended sediment were deposited annually in the flood plain of the Nile, while about 93% of the total average annual suspended load of 124 × 106 metric tons was carried out into the Mediterranean Sea. Since the full operation of the High Aswan Dam in 1968, the flood discharge of the Nile, below the dam, has been greatly modified and more than 98% of the total suspended load has been retained within the reservoir. Based on long-term records; estimated relationships between discharge and suspended load, and field measurements, the life span of the dead storage capacity has been estimated at a minimum of about 360 years. Although this preliminary calculation is less than the estimated design capacity of 450 years, it is expected that progressively more suspended solids will be released in the outflow of the reservoir and that together with the use of flood diversion schemes the High Aswan Dam is likely to approach its design life span.

Notes: Abstract The River Nile receives most of its sediment load from the Atbara and Blue Nile rivers, which carry eroded sediments north from the Ethiopian mountains during the seasonal flood period between August and October. Prior to the construction and operation of the High Aswan Dam, in 1964, 9–10 × 106 metric tons of suspended sediment were deposited annually in the flood plain of the Nile, while about 93% of the total average annual suspended load of 124 × 106 metric tons was carried out into the Mediterranean Sea. Since the full operation of the High Aswan Dam in 1968, the flood discharge of the Nile, below the dam, has been greatly modified and more than 98% of the total suspended load has been retained within the reservoir. Based on long-term records; estimated relationships between discharge and suspended load, and field measurements, the life span of the dead storage capacity has been estimated at a minimum of about 360 years. Although this preliminary calculation is less than the estimated design capacity of 450 years, it is expected that progressively more suspended solids will be released in the outflow of the reservoir and that together with the use of flood diversion schemes the High Aswan Dam is likely to approach its design life span.

Notes: Abstract Effects of sediment release from Guernsey Reservoir on macroinvertebrates of the North Platte River, Wyoming, were investigated during summer 1981. Suspended solids concentrations during sediment release increased from 〈20 mg l−1 to 〉300 mg l−1. Because fine particulates remained in suspension, mean particle size of substrates was unaltered. Densities of chironomids decreased 90% + during sediment release but recovered to initial levels in 3 weeks after the release ended. Densities of mayflies and oligochaetes increased. Changes in benthic populations were highly correlated with increases in suspended solids.

Notes: Abstract Seasonal variations of C, N and P concentrations and stocks in the emergent macrophyte Echinochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitchcock, of the Paranapanema River mouth zone at Jurumirim Reservoir (SP, Brazil), were examined. Marked variation in nutrient concentrations (from 287.6 to 463.2 mg C g DW-1; 3.4 to 37.8 mg N g DW-1; 0.13 to 2.31 mg P g DW-1) and stocks (from 3.8 to 11.9 t C ha-1; 96.3 to 400.6 kg N ha-1, 3.6 to 44.3 kg P ha-1) were observed along the year (August 1993 – July 1994). Peaks in concentrations and stocks were observed in January, February and March 1994. As nutrient concentrations in water and sediments are low and stocks in the plant high, the local nutrient dynamics seem to be controlled by this macrophyte. Leaf blades and sheaths participate most in recycling, while stems contain the principal nutrient stock.

Notes: Abstract The poster summarised Leicestershire County and Rutland District Councils Planning policies operative in the area surrounding Rutland Water. The policies are contained in the Structure Plan for Rutland, approved in December 1979, Rutland District Council's Settlement Policy and the Empingham District Plan preliminary discussion document. The policies of more specific application to the area surrounding Rutland Water are those of the Empingham District Plan which relate to land use, recreation and traffic management in the Parishes of Burley, Edith Weston, Egleton, Empingham, Exton, Gunthorpe, Hambleton, Horn, Lyndon, Manton, Normanton and Whitwell. The theme reflected in all policies covering this area is one of conservation. It is expressed in one of the Structure Plan's basic policies as follows: ‘Rutland's Planning Role should be one of positive conservation particularly of natural resources with an emphasis on minimising the loss of, and where practicable improving the natural assets of farmland, woodland, minerals and water.’

Notes: Abstract The quantitative extent to which the large-scale organised water motion in the surface waters of lakes and reservoirs, known as Langmuir circulation, affects the distribution and settling of algae and other suspended particles is not known and has thus been ignored in conventionally used water quality models. Since the distribution and settling of these particles is important in determining water quality, this study set out to investigate these effects using a mathematical model based on the two-dimensional advection-diffusion mass transport equation describing the temporal and spatial distribution of suspended particles in a typical Langmuir cell. The Langmuir circulation flow field and turbulent diffusion coefficients are empirically modelled by relating them to environmental parameters (Buranathanitt et al., in press). The results show that Langmuir circulation does affect particle distribution and settling. For particles with small sinking speeds, such as the lighter algae, the circulation causes intense mixing, resulting in essentially uniform distribution of particles over the cell (as assumed in the ‘well-mixed compartment model’). For particles with high sinking velocities, however, aggregation can occur, giving rise to significant reduction in sinking loss. For diatoms, effective sinking speeds are as much as 6% less than when cells are not operating while for coarse silt particles in a cell of large width to depth ratio a reduction of more than 60% is possible. Two preliminary laboratory experiments have also been performed in order to obtain further information on both the physical characteristics of Langmuir cells and their effects on suspended particles. The results of a wind-wave tank experiment suggest that the Langmuir circulation scale of motion is related to the height of the surface waves, thus providing an empirical means of determining the size of Langmuir cells from environmental variables. A particle settling tank experiment confirmed, in a qualitative way, the results obtained in the analytical study, with both the uniformly mixed and aggregation phenomena being reproduced (Buranathanitti et al., submitted). Full details of the work described in this abstract will be published elsewhere (Buranathanitt et al., in press; Buranathanitt et al., submitted).)

Notes: Abstract Rutland Water was stocked with trout in 1975 after removing the existing fish populations. Growth and survival of rainbow and brown trout are compared with the reservoir's filling regime, and re-colonisation by other fish species is described. The use of angler success as an indicator of fish stock density and its management is discussed.

Notes: Abstract The colonisation of Rutland Water by benthic invertebrates has been monitored from 1976 when the reservoir was first filled. A modified Ekman grab was used to sample populations quantitatively while false substrates and dredge samples were used to obtain supplementary data. Hand net and hand-sorting were used to study the littoral zone. The dominant taxa in the reservoir are Asellus aquaticus, A. meridianus, Gammarus pulex, Crangonyx pseudogracilis, Helobdella stagnalis, Erpobdella octoculata, Polycelis tenuis, larval Chironomidae and Oligochaeta. Other species which appeared abundantly, such as Limnaea pereger and Planorbis albus, have now disappeared and it is suggested that the generally low levels of gastropods might account for the poor performance of species such as Dugesia lugubris and Glossiphonia complanata. Other aspects of abundance are discussed, as are the effects of maturation of the system.

Notes: Abstract The diet of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and rainbow trout (S. gairdneri Richardson) in Rutland Water were compared during the first two fishing seasons (April–October 1977 and 1978). Fortnightly samples of approximately forty stomachs were obtained from boat and bank, rod-and-line caught trout giving a total of 1046 stomachs over the two seasons. During 1977 seasonal changes in the diet were divided into two phases; the first being a period of abundant drowned terrestrial food until June. This was followed by a period of more stable water level from July onwards when chironomid larvae and pupae were consistently the most important food items and the diversity of food also increased. In 1978 the proportion of chironomid pupae and larvae declined and they were replaced in the diet by Gammarus and Asellus.

Notes: Abstract Rutland Water was planned in the 1960s to meet the water needs of the expanding East Midland region of England. Chosen from 64 possible sites, it was approved in 1970 and construction started in 1971. The dam was closed and the reservoir started to fill from its natural catchment in 1975; pumping started from the rivers Welland and Nene in 1976 and the reservoir was full by March 1979. Details of the stages in its development are given together with an indication of the ways in which the recreational uses of the reservoir have been integrated with its water supply function.

Notes: Abstract Fingerling Salmo trutta L. and S. gairdneri R. were stocked in Rutland Water in early 1975. Initial rapid growth was associated with feeding on littoral and planktonic Crustacea during this year. Rapid water level changes occurred over the winter months, interspersed with longer periods of stability during the summer. These changes caused changes in trout diet. Terrestrial food (e.g. earthworms), released from flooded land was important during winter months; aquatic items which increased in abundance during periods of stable water levels (e.g. Gammarus pulex, Limnaea pereger, Chironomidae larvae and pupae) were important during spring, summer and autumn. It is suggested that the rapid growth rates recorded in the first two years of the reservoir are the result of the ready availability of different food sources.

Notes: Abstract The River Nile receives most of its sediment load from the Atbara and Blue Nile rivers, which carry eroded sediments north from the Ethiopian mountains during the seasonal flood period between August and October. Prior to the construction and operation of the High Aswan Dam, in 1964, 9–10 × 106 metric tons of suspended sediment were deposited annually in the flood plain of the Nile, while about 93% of the total average annual suspended load of 124 × 106 metric tons was carried out into the Mediterranean Sea. Since the full operation of the High Aswan Dam in 1968, the flood discharge of the Nile, below the dam, has been greatly modified and more than 98% of the total suspended load has been retained within the reservoir. Based on long-term records; estimated relationships between discharge and suspended load, and field measurements, the life span of the dead storage capacity has been estimated at a minimum of about 360 years. Although this preliminary calculation is less than the estimated design capacity of 450 years, it is expected that progressively more suspended solids will be released in the outflow of the reservoir and that together with the use of flood diversion schemes the High Aswan Dam is likely to approach its design life span.

Notes: Abstract Bankside storage reservoirs are used as a major water supply resource in the lower Thames Valley, England. They form the link between the River Thames and the water treatment works of the Greater London area. The reservoirs act as both a water reserve in times of low river flows, and a quality ‘buffer’ between the river and the treatment works. The load on the water treatment works (particulate material, physico-chemical characteristics) primarily reflects the water qualities of the reservoirs. Management of such reservoirs thus seeks to reduce the adverse impacts which would otherwise arise from direct river use, and to ensure as far as possible that the ecological processes within the reservoirs do not introduce new challenges to the water treatment. Reservoir management clearly needs a good understanding of those ecological processes and their interactions, and, hopefully, a means to exploit that understanding in hindcasting to explain past events, in forecasting near- or far-future events, and to help in exploring operational options to ameliorate any foreseable difficulties. The reservoirs consist of a variety of configurations, physical dimensions and operational circumstances. They have, importantly, basically simple morphologies, known hydraulic regimes and physico-chemical qualities. Nonetheless, they appear to behave essentially as small (1–50 Mm3), eutrophic lakes; and various aspects of their ecology has been studied for the past 65 years. Their attributes and operational involvement make them ideal candidates for ecological modelling, which has been applied to them in varying extents for the past 30 years. The major conclusion which may be drawn from these studies is that even in such relatively simple water bodies, current (and probably future) models can only encompass their broad ecological characteristics. Detailed operational needs have to be met by a variety of modelling approaches, mainly predicated on the basis of only being able to know a lot about a little or a little about a lot. The operational needs for modelling fall into the following broad types: (a) understanding: why did those events occur, or where is our ignorance greatest? (b) short-term forecasts: how will the current situation develop in the short-term (weeks)? (c) what-if considerations: what would happen if some management facility were employed or used differently? (d) optimisation: what are the optimal volume– quality supply arrangements? (e) long-term prediction: what is the longer-term (years) outlook under foreseeable scenarios? (f) projective evaluation: how would potential, as yet non-existant reservoirs behave under prescribed circumstances? Examples of how these needs have been met are outlined, with examples ranging from simple models of the diatom ecology of the reservoirs to much broader trophic–dynamic descriptions which can allow expression of fish–zooplankton–phytoplankton interactions. This is crucial for present and future management of cyanobacterial phases. It is clear that considerable management insight and control can result from modelling assistance, but only if the appropriate questions are asked. Whilst simple short-term modelling is less demanding, any attempt to model the full complexity of the ecology of even these relatively simple water-bodies is probably doomed to founder on complexity–understanding difficulties, unless these are resolved to much more constrained system aspects. This is particularly so for the qualitative biology. The best that may presently be foreseen is for development of the newer multi-biological type models, with reasonably realistic and dynamic physical and chemical environment sub-models, being able to manifest the general characteristics of the ecosystem in question. Despite such difficulties, new reservoir management insights and approaches will inevitably be founded on critical modelling of those ecosystems.

Notes: Abstract This work aims at studying the microbial and physical-chemical changes occurring in an equatorial hydroelectric reservoir Petit Saut (French Guiana), over three years, from the time it first filled. Since filling in January 1994, almost the whole water column has remained anoxic, with high concentrations of reduced elements (CH4, iron sulphides, H2S) originating from degradation of the submerged primary forest. These elements deoxygenated the water drained from the dam, as they were biologically and chemically oxidized in the river. Two major physiological guilds of microorganisms occurred. They showed a characteristic stratified arrangement in the lake, below and above an oxycline. Since flooding, we observed a cyclic development of phototrophic bacteria, assumed to be sulphur-oxidizers below the oxycline. The growth of this physiological guild seems to be strongly influenced by sulphide production and by the alternation between rainy and dry seasons. At the oxycline, the population of methane-oxidizing bacteria did not vary in the same way as the green sulphur bacteria. After a lag-phase, which was probably due to inhibition by excessive illumination in the upper water column in 1994, they developed and completely stopped diffusive methane emission in February 1995. The development of both bacterial guilds is directly correlated to changes in the level of the corresponding reduced elements from the bottom and dissolved in the lake water. The decreasing production of CH4 and sulphides induces a progressive extinction of methanotrophic bacteria and phototrophic sulphur-oxidizing bacteria. Meanwhile, the water is becoming clearer and algal populations proliferate in the upper water column, constituting an autochtonous source of organic carbon. Slowly, this aquatic ecosystem is reaching a low-activity equilibrium level related to reduced element production. It is evolving from a system ruled by an anaerobic organotrophic metabolism to an ecosystem governed by phototrophy.

Notes: Abstract The aesthetic problems posed by reservoir margins have been recognised for many years. They stem from a complex pattern of action and interaction of several environmental variables — water manipulation patterns, wave action, substrate characteristics, grazing and other factors. These factors usually result in reservoir margins being not only visually unattractive and physically unstable, but also of low ecological diversity. The Natural Environment Research Council and Water Research Centre have, since 1968, together funded a research programme to investigate the use of plant species to combat these problems. In isolated instances in the UK, woody species in particular have succeeded in colonising margins naturally, to very good visual effect (e.g. at Lake Vyrnwy). ‘Biotechnical’ treatments — using artificially planted shrubs and trees — have been successfully used in large Central European reservoirs to combat soil erosion by waves. Following trials of various woody species on the margins of established reservoirs, 10 species/cultivars were ‘pre-planted’ above and below the future top water level (TWL) of Rutland Water in 1973, 5 years before reservoir filling was completed. Pre-planting theoretically allows better survival by trees of subsequent partial inundation. The precise siting of pre-planted trees in the vertical dimension should normally be done using modelled predictions of reservoir summer median water level (a variable important to tree survival). The complex factors affecting the operation of Rutland Water made precise prediction impossible; the experimental plot eventually extended from 500 mm above TWL, to 2 000 mm below TWL, in 500 mm steps. 252 trees were involved in the plot and their growth has been monitored for the past 7 years. The species being predominantly hydrophytic, drought was a problem in the years prior to reservoir filling. Mulching with grass-cuttings proved to be helpful in this respect. Subsequently, prolonged periods of high water level have been deleterious to tree survival in the lower areas of the plot. Once abstraction/recharging patterns become more cyclic, it is anticipated that tree growth will stabilise.

Notes: Abstract The paper describes the treatment facilities and processes at the Wing Works where Rutland water is treated to potable standards. It summarises the experience gained in the operation of the works since it opened in 1977 and includes a brief account of an investigation into the production of haloforms.

Notes: Abstract Construction of hydroelectric reservoirs in a certain large watershed of China has led to a marked rise in mercury concentration in fish. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression of R values (ratio of mercury concentration in carp from 12 reservoirs and mercury concentration in carp from rivers which feed into the reservoirs) and various hydrologic parameters demonstrate that the ratio of catchment area and runoff is the crucial determining factor. Other determining factors are the ratio of flooding area of land and reservoir area of dead storage capacity, and the reciprocal of reservoir area. On this basis, the predictive models of mercury accumulation in carp after reservoir construction, with one and two parameter, respectively, were obtained. The predictive models were found to be of high precision.

Notes: Abstract Both as an air pollutant and as a gaseous component of the local phosphorus cycle, phosphine (PH3) was found in the urban air of Beijing. Other possible sources, like paddy fields and water reservoirs, were selected for testing the hypothesis of the biological phosphine formation. Phosphine in the urban air of Beijing was measured in different seasons. In the summertime phosphine levels typically peak in the early morning and then decline towards noon. The maximum concentration at 6.00 am was 65 ng m−3 whilst that at noon was 11 ng m−3. In spring and in wintertime, the phosphine levels in the urban air of Beijing were lowest. A first screening revealed phosphine also in gas and in sediment samples from a paddy field near Beijing, the Beijing Shisanling water reservoir, and the refuse tips Changping of Beijing as well as in the ambient air adjacent to these sampling sites. The maximum phosphine concentrations in these gas samples were 41 (marsh gas, paddy field), 135 (marsh gas, reservoir), 1062 (landfillgas) ng m−3, and in the ambient air samples 146 (air, paddy field), 166 (air, reservoir), and 71 (air, refuse tips) ng m−3. In sediment samples, the highest matrix-bound phosphine levels were 13 (paddy field), and 3.9 (reservoir) ng kg−1. These comparatively high concentrations of the readily oxidizable phosphine in air indicate hitherto unknown but important phosphorus emission sources, which might reduce the biomass growth in Chinese fields and forests by a general phosphorus limitation. Phosphine is also a constituent of the air pollution in China. However, more work has to be done to evaluate the different sources of atmospheric phosphine.