Behavior of dissolved and total phosphorus concentration and stream discharge: The form of hysteresis during storm events

The forms, rotational patterns and trends of hysteretic loops of dissolved and total phosphorus were investigated in the watershed of a New York City drinking water reservoir. We evaluated two biogeochemical parameters summarizing the changes in solute concentrations and the overall dynamics of each hysteretic loop and seven hydrological parameters that characterize the hydrograph formation of particular storm events. The objectives of this study are: (1) to examine whether the characteristics of solute hysteretic loops monitored during the summer, winter and spring seasons followed a consistent and recurring pattern, (2) to identify hydrological parameters which could potentially influence features of dissolved and total phosphorus hysteresis. Relationships between hysteresis features and hydrological parameters at the watershed outlet were explored using multivariate redundancy analysis (RDA).