Isotermas de adsorción de fósforo en sedimentos del estuario de Maracaibo (Lago de Maracaibo)

Eight sediment samples from Maracaibo's estuary (Lago de Maracaibo) were assessed for their capacity to sorb different amounts of added phosphate, the results were studied according with the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption models. The experimental information adjusted Freundlich isotherm in the whole range of concentration used (0-250 ppm). Langmuir model, although convenient at lower concentration, desviate from linearity at higher P level used, presumably due to inter actions occurring among the highly charged orthophosphate already sorbed Temkin's isotherm do not describe as well the interrelationships between surface-solution as previously found in agricultural soils. The time of equilibrium was found to be dependent on reactive surfaces, particularly those related to amorphous forms of aluminium.