Stable Fe(III)–organic matter (OM) complexes prevent interactions with phosphate.
A mechanistic and thermodynamic model describing the ternary P(V)–Fe(III)–OM system is proposed.
The model predicts that increased OM concentrations lead to increased aqueous phosphate concentrations.
Balance between formation of Fe(III)–OM complexes and Fe(III) (hydr)oxides plays a decisive role for phosphate sequestration.