Abstract |
The effects of phosphorus on the ecology of the Pamlico River Estuary, N. C. were measured. Surveys were conducted to determine hydrography, phosphorus concentrations in the water and sediment, and phytoplankton speciation and biomass in relation to inputs from the Tar River Basin and phosphorus mining activities. Studies were designed to determine phytoplankton response to phosphorus additions, phosphorus exchange with sediment, phosphorus utilization by Rangia clams, and phosphorus uptake by phytoplankton. The Pamlico River Estuary is typically oligo- to mesohaline; tidal influence is minimal and the estuary occasionally stratifies. Stratification is easily destroyed by winds. During summer stratification, anaerobic conditions develop near the bottom muds. The estuary already is rich in phosphorus, and concentrations are increasing via land runoff and mining wastes. (Author) |