EXPLORING THE ROLE OF MICROBIAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ON SOLUBLE REACTIVE PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN STREAM WATER

This study examines the role played by the enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (AP) which is excreted by microbes found in stream water and sediment beds. Since the levels of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) are connected with water quality, the ability to quantify the effect of microbial transformations between forms of phosphorus is useful to researchers and environmental managers. This study accesses samples of stream water above, at and below the sediment surface, comparing the levels of SRP and AP activity. Four sites were chosen in the Illinois River watershed in Oklahoma from which to sample at the prescribed depths.