This study examined the phosphorus retention and release characteristics of sediments in the eutrophic Mai Po Marshes in Hong Kong. Results of chemical fractionation show that the sum of inorganic P pools exceeded 50% of the total sediment P content, with the redox-sensitive iron-bound P (Fe(OOH) approximately P) being the dominant P fraction. Given the considerable average Fe(OOH) approximately P concentration of 912 microg g(-1), Mai Po sediments demonstrated a great potential to release bioavailable P under low sediment redox potentials. This was further supported by the high mean anaerobic P flux of 31.8 mg m(-2)d(-1) recorded in Mai Po sediment cores, indicating the role of bottom sediments as a net P source. Although sediments in Mai Po had appreciable Langmuir adsorption maxima (1642-3582 mg kg(-1)), the high zero equilibrium P concentrations (0.02-0.51 mg L(-1)) obtained suggest that sediment sorption processes would contribute to sustaining the eutrophic conditions in overlying water column even with a further reduction in external P load. Concerted efforts should be made to reduce internal loading of P, especially under reducing conditions, to complement the implementation of zero discharge policy for Deep Bay for effective eutrophication abatement and long-term water quality improvement in the Mai Po Marshes.