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Regulation of eutrophication susceptibility in oligohaline zones of a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary, Mobile Bay, Alabama
Citation:
LEHRTER, J. C. Regulation of eutrophication susceptibility in oligohaline zones of a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary, Mobile Bay, Alabama. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 56(8):1446-1460, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
Mixing time scales longer than 10 days resulted in maximum accrual of chlorophylla and lowest chla occurred after high discharge events when mixing time scales were less than 2 days
Description:
Variability in estuarine eutrophication susceptibility to nutrinets was examined in a comparative empirical analysis of 7 oligohaline tidal river regions. Eutrophication response, in terms of phytoplankton biomass (chlorophylla), was related to estuarine mixing times scales and nutrient concentrations and watershed delivery of freshwater and nutrients on a sampling event basis. Mixing time scales and freshwater discharges were shown to be important modifiers of eutrophication susceptibility. Mixing time scales longer than 10 days resulted in maximum accrual of chlorophylla and lowest chla occurred after high discharge events when mixing time scales were less than 2 days. Average reductions in both nitrogen and phosphorus ranged from 9 to 70%.