Summary
Phosphorus (P) is a major driver of eutrophication in river systems, but its sources and cycling remain poorly understood. This study employs a novel combination of phosphate oxygen isotope (δ 18 O-PO 4 ) and lead isotope ( 206 Pb/ 207 Pb) analyses to trace P sources and biogeochemical processes in river waters, shallow sediments (<5 cm), and sediment cores (up to 60 cm) along a ∼100 km stretch of the River Nene, UK. δ 18 O-PO 4 signatures were used to identify phosphate origins and transformation pathways in river sediments, while 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios provided insights into sediment provenance and historical pollution. Results reveal significant spatial variability in P sources and sinks, with sewage inputs dominating in some parts, whereas and agricultural and urban contributions eviden
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