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Is phytoplankton growth in the Wadden Sea light or nitrogen limited?
Colijn, F.; Cadée, G.H. (2003). Is phytoplankton growth in the Wadden Sea light or nitrogen limited? J. Sea Res. 49(2): 83-93. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1385-1101(03)00002-9
In: Journal of Sea Research. Elsevier/Netherlands Institute for Sea Research: Amsterdam; Den Burg. ISSN 1385-1101; e-ISSN 1873-1414, more
Also appears in:
Philippart, C.J.M.; Van Raaphorst, W. (Ed.) (2003). Structuring Factors of Shallow Marine Coastal Communities, part II. Journal of Sea Research, 49(2). Elsevier Science: Amsterdam. 81-155 pp., more
Peer reviewed article  
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
    Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Atmospheric gases > Nitrogen
    Irradiance
    Nutrients (mineral)
    Properties > Physical properties > Turbidity
    ANE, Wadden Sea [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Authors  Top 
  • Colijn, F., correspondent, more
  • Cadée, G.H.
Abstract
    The growth of phytoplankton in the Wadden Sea, a shallow tidal sea bordering the North Sea, is strongly regulated by nutrients and irradiance. The similarity and unity of this sea is documented on the basis of the annual phytoplankton biomass cycles at different sites. Due to the large inputs of nutrients in this area by several rivers (Rhine, Ems, Weser, Elbe) the Wadden Sea shows signs of eutrophication. The strong preference for eutrophication-related studies in this area can only be explained by the impact of policy-makers through funding of eutrophication-related studies and their will to manage the inputs of nutrients to the Wadden Sea. This strong preference has caused the relatively little interest for studies on the regulatory mechanisms of underwater irradiance on phytoplankton growth in this turbid area. Procedures developed by Cloern [Aquat. Ecol. 33 (1999)] were used to compare nutrient and light limitation at different sites of the Wadden Sea. The analysis showed that in many cases both spatial and temporal light limitation far exceed effects of nutrient limitation. During the 1990s the dominant influence of high DIN concentrations implies that underwater irradiance by far exceeds effects of nutrients on the production of phytoplankton biomass. Results of this analysis also show how narrowly focussed research may develop when policy-makers direct research priorities.
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