by Cheung May Shuen. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-165). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.ii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.vi-ix / LIST OF PLATES --- p.x / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER I - --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of Quaternary Studies in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The Necessity of Regional and Local Practice --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- The Need for Regional Synthesis --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Linking Onshore Studies with Offshore Ones --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- The Yuen Long Floodplain --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Previous Work --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- The Need for Detailed Study --- p.12 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objectives of the Study --- p.13 / Chapter 1.7 --- Significance of the Study --- p.14 / Chapter CHAPTER II - --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- The Quaternary Period --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3 --- Global Pleistocene Sea-level Reduction --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4 --- Evidence of Pleistocene Sea-level Reduction in South China and Hong Kong --- p.20 / Chapter 2.5 --- The Postglacial Rise in Sea-level --- p.22 / Chapter 2.6 --- Holocene Sea-level Movements in Zhujiang Delta and Hong Kong --- p.23 / Chapter 2.7 --- Hong Kong Quaternary Studies --- p.26 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- A Wealth of Offshore Studies --- p.26 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- A Lack of Onshore Studies --- p.27 / Chapter 2.8 --- Methods of Investigation --- p.28 / Chapter 2.9 --- Offshore Quaternary Sediments in Hong Kong --- p.30 / Chapter 2.9.1 --- The Chek Lap Kok Formation --- p.31 / Age of Formation --- p.32 / Seismic Characteristics --- p.33 / Lithology --- p.33 / Sedimentary Environment --- p.34 / Chapter 2.9.2 --- The Sham Wat Formation --- p.36 / Age of Formation --- p.36 / Seismic Characteristics --- p.37 / Lithology --- p.37 / Sedimentary Environment --- p.38 / Chapter 2.9.3 --- The Hang Hau Formation --- p.39 / Age of Formation --- p.39 / Seismic Characteristics --- p.40 / Lithology --- p.40 / Sedimentary Environment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.10 --- Summary of Hong Kong Quaternary Superficial Geology --- p.42 / Chapter CHAPTER III - --- STUDY AREA / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2 --- Geographical Setting and Existing Development --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3 --- Relief --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4 --- Climate --- p.47 / Chapter 3.5 --- Surface Hydrology --- p.51 / Chapter 3.6 --- Geology --- p.51 / Chapter 3.7 --- Geomorphology --- p.53 / Chapter 3.8 --- Superficial Deposits --- p.55 / Chapter 3.9 --- The Hong Kong Geological Survey --- p.58 / Chapter 3.10 --- Location of Boreholes BGS 11 and 23 --- p.58 / Chapter CHAPTER IV - --- METHODOLOGY / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2 --- Borehole Collection --- p.61 / Chapter 4.3 --- Analytical Approach --- p.62 / Chapter 4.4 --- Laboratory Logging and Description --- p.64 / Chapter 4.5 --- Sedimentological Analysis --- p.65 / Chapter 4.6 --- Geochemical Analysis --- p.66 / Chapter 4.7 --- Micropalaeontological Analysis --- p.71 / Chapter 4.8 --- Chronological Analysis --- p.73 / Chapter 4.9 --- Stratigraphy and Borehole Comparison --- p.74 / Chapter CHAPTER V - --- BGS 11 - DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.75 / Chapter 5.2 --- Geological Description of Borehole BGS 11 --- p.76 / Chapter 5.3 --- Geochemical Results --- p.90 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Soil Reaction pH --- p.91 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Electrical Conductivity --- p.91 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Organic Carbon --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Calcium Carbonates --- p.93 / Chapter 5.4 --- Micropalaeontological Results --- p.94 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Diatom Results --- p.94 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Sponge Spicules Results --- p.98 / Chapter 5.5 --- Radiocarbon Dating Results --- p.100 / Chapter 5.6 --- Environmental Interpretations --- p.101 / Chapter 5.6.1 --- The Terrestrial Sequence (20.70 to 8.10m) --- p.101 / The Colluvial Unit (20.70 to 16.50m) --- p.102 / The Floodplain Unit (16.50 to 8.10m) --- p.103 / The Palaeosol Unit (8.10 to 7.26m) --- p.107 / Chapter 5.6.2 --- The Shallow Marine Sequence (7.26 to 4.05m) --- p.108 / Chapter 5.6.3 --- The Coastal Swamp Sequence (4.05 to 2.35m) --- p.111 / Chapter 5.7 --- Conclusion --- p.113 / Chapter CHAPTER VI - --- BGS 23 - DESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.114 / Chapter 6.2 --- Geological Description of Borehole BGS 23 --- p.114 / Chapter 6.3 --- Geochemical Results --- p.126 / Chapter 6.4 --- Micropalaeontological Results --- p.129 / Chapter 6.5 --- Environmental Interpretation --- p.129 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- The Weathered Shale Sequence (15.90 to 15.00m) --- p.130 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- The Fluvial Sequence (13.65 to 2.85m) --- p.131 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- The Backswamp Sequence (2.85 to 1.73m) --- p.135 / Chapter 6.6 --- Conclusion --- p.137 / Chapter CHAPTER VII - --- STRATIGRAPHICAL INTERPRETATION AND COMPARISON / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.138 / Chapter 7.2 --- Stratigraphical Division in Hong Kong and the Zhujiang Delta --- p.138 / Chapter 7.3 --- Stratigraphical Interpretation of BGS 11 --- p.140 / Chapter 7.4 --- Stratigraphical Interpretation of BGS 23 --- p.142 / Chapter 7.5 --- Stratigraphic Comparison --- p.143 / Chapter 7.5.1 --- Comparison with Onshore Boreholes --- p.143 / Chapter 7.5.2 --- Comparison with Offshore Boreholes in Hong Kong and Zhujiang Delta --- p.147 / Chapter 7.6 --- Conclusion --- p.150 / Chapter CHAPTER VIII - --- SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION / Chapter 8.1 --- Summary of Findings --- p.151 / Chapter 8.2 --- Limitations --- p.153 / Chapter 8.3 --- Future Work --- p.155 / REFERENCES --- p.157 / APPENDICES / APPENDIX A The complete logging sheets for BGS11 / APPENDIX B The complete logging sheets for BGS23

Lai, Yuk Fo. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 169-191). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iv / Dedication --- p.v / Acknowledgement --- p.vi / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of tables --- p.xii / List of figures --- p.xiii / List of plates --- p.xv / List of symbols and abbreviations --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Wetlands and water quality --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- The role of sediments in eutrophication control --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Wetlands in ecological mitigation --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Previous studies of wetland pollution in Hong Kong --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conceptual framework --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives of the study --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5 --- Significance of study --- p.13 / Chapter 1.6 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.14 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Literature Review / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.15 / Chapter 2.2 --- Quantification of phosphorus retention in wetlands --- p.16 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Input-output concentration approach --- p.16 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Mass balance approach --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Phosphorus removal efficiency --- p.19 / Chapter 2.3 --- Phosphorus sorption by wetland sediments --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Sorption and its significance --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Phosphorus sorption maxima --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Adsorption-desorption equilibrium --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Phosphorus sorption kinetics --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4 --- Phosphorus exchange across the sediment-water interface --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Phosphorus mobilization and transport mechanisms --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Phosphorus flux from aquatic sediments --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5 --- Phosphorus fractionation in wetland sediments --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Major sediment phosphorus fractions --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Phosphorus fractionation methods --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Relationships between phosphorus fractions and bioavailability . --- p.32 / Chapter 2.6 --- Factors affecting sediment-water phosphorus exchange --- p.33 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- pH --- p.34 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Redox potential --- p.34 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Temperature --- p.35 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- Salinity --- p.35 / Chapter 2.6.5 --- Sediment properties --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Methodology / Chapter 3.1 --- Overall study approach --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2 --- Geographical setting of Hong Kong --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Climate --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Geology and landform --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Soil --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Vegetation --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3 --- Study sites --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Site selection --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Site description --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- The Hong Kong Wetland Park --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- Sampling strategy --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Sampling locations --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Sampling dates --- p.57 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Sample collection and treatment --- p.58 / Chapter 3.5 --- Sample analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Analysis of sediment samples --- p.61 / Chapter 3.5.1.1 --- Sediment texture --- p.61 / Chapter 3.5.1.2 --- Sediment pH --- p.61 / Chapter 3.5.1.3 --- Redox potential --- p.61 / Chapter 3.5.1.4 --- Sediment moisture --- p.62 / Chapter 3.5.1.5 --- Organic matter --- p.62 / Chapter 3.5.1.6 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen --- p.63 / Chapter 3.5.1.7 --- "Total Fe, Al, and P" --- p.63 / Chapter 3.5.1.8 --- "Oxalate-extractable Fe, Al, and P" --- p.63 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Analysis of water samples --- p.64 / Chapter 3.5.2.1 --- "Water pH, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, temperature and DO" --- p.64 / Chapter 3.5.2.2 --- Orthophosphate --- p.64 / Chapter 3.5.2.3 --- Total nitrogen and phosphorus --- p.65 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Determination of phosphorus exchange characteristics --- p.65 / Chapter 3.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Phosphorus Fractionation in Wetland Sediments in Hong Kong / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methodology --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sample collection and analysis --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Phosphorus fractionation --- p.69 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Physico-chemical properties of sediments --- p.72 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Physico-chemical properties of overlying water --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Phosphorus fractionation in sediments --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Phosphorus fractions in sediments of the Hong Kong Wetland Park --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Phosphorus fractions in sediments of the Mai Po Marshes --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.3.3 --- Phosphorus fractions in relation to mobility and bioavailability --- p.96 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusions --- p.100 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Phosphorus Sorption by Wetland Sediments in Hong Kong / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.103 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Sample collection and analysis --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Batch incubation experiments --- p.105 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Sorption kinetics --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Effects of selected environmental factors on phosphorus sorption --- p.106 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Estimation of sorption parameters --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.109 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.109 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Phosphorus sorption parameters of wetland sediments --- p.109 / Chapter 5.3.1.1 --- Phosphorus adsorption isotherms --- p.109 / Chapter 5.3.1.2 --- The role of sediments in phosphate buffering --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.1.3 --- Relationships between phosphorus sorption parameters and physico-chemical properties of sediments --- p.121 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Kinetics of phosphorus adsorption --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Effects of environmental factors on phosphorus sorption --- p.128 / Chapter 5.3.3.1 --- Effects of pH --- p.128 / Chapter 5.3.3.2 --- Effects of salinity --- p.131 / Chapter 5.3.3.3 --- Effects of temperature --- p.133 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusions --- p.136 / Chapter Chapter Six --- Phosphorus Flux from Wetland Sediments in Hong Kong / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.139 / Chapter 6.2 --- Methodology --- p.140 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Sample collection and analysis --- p.140 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Core incubation experiments --- p.141 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Estimation of phosphorus flux --- p.142 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.142 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.143 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Phosphorus flux from wetland sediments --- p.143 / Chapter 6.3.1.1 --- Phosphorus flux from sediments in the Hong Kong Wetland Park --- p.143 / Chapter 6.3.1.2 --- Phosphorus flux from sediments in the Mai Po Marshes --- p.147 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Effects of redox conditions on sediment phosphorus flux --- p.152 / Chapter 6.4 --- Conclusions --- p.156 / Chapter Chapter Seven --- Conclusion / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.159 / Chapter 7.2 --- Summary of major findings --- p.159 / Chapter 7.3 --- Limitations of study --- p.166 / Chapter 7.4 --- Suggestions for future study --- p.166 / References --- p.169