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The influence of thermodynamic and kinetic factors on the formation and dissolution of calcium phosphates in complex geochemical systems

Applicant Dr. Julian Oxmann
Subject Area Palaeontology
Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
Oceanography
Term from 2015 to 2021
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 283810620
 
Formation of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) is an important process in removing phosphorus (P) from natural waters, with carbonate fluorapatite (CFAP) being a major sink for reactive P in the ocean. Local conditions may either favor direct apatite formation or nucleation of apatite precursors. In situ precipitation and dissolution of these minerals are, however, difficult to predict owing to the interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic factors. This project assesses effects of these factors on Ca-P precipitation and dissolution by combining conventional sediment and pore-water analyses, experimental approaches and geochemical modelling with state-of-the-art techniques for determining solid-phase P speciation. Main objectives are to (i) determine P speciation in Baltic Sea sediments; (ii) estimate the time of Ca-P precipitation in sea and brackish water under different experimental conditions using a nucleation assay; (iii) determine solubilities of Ca-P phases in sediment-water systems using a dissolution assay that mimics marine, brackish and freshwater conditions; (iv) identify the role of apatite precursors during P diagenesis; (v) verify results using geochemical models and cross-validate analytical methods. Techniques for determining Ca-P phases include chemical and synchrotron-based methods with accompanying scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. These approaches will, together with the method validation, contribute to better understand P dynamics and P diagenesis in complex natural environments.
DFG Programme Research Grants
International Connection Netherlands, New Zealand
 
 

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