Benthic fluxes of nutrients and some trace metals in the Tamar estuary, SW England
Watson, P.G.; Frickers, P.E.; Howland, R.J.M. (1993). Benthic fluxes of nutrients and some trace metals in the Tamar estuary, SW England. Neth. J. Aquat. Ecol. 27(2-4): 135-146. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02334776 In: Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology. Kluwer Academic Publishers/Netherlands Society of Aquatic Ecology: Bilthoven. ISSN 1380-8427; e-ISSN 2214-7098, more Also appears in:Meire, P.; Vincx, M. (Ed.) (1993). Marine and estuarine gradients: ECSA 21: Proceedings of the 21st symposium of the Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association held in Gent, 9-14 september 1991. Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology, 27(2-4). Netherlands Society of Aquatic Ecology: Bilthoven. 496 pp., more |  |
| Keywords | Marine/Coastal; Brackish water |
| Authors | | Top | - Watson, P.G.
- Frickers, P.E.
- Howland, R.J.M.
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| Abstract | Pore water concentration gradients and fluxes of chemical components have been studied in sediments from six intertidal sites in the Tamar Estuary, SW England over the course of a year. Fluxes of nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate) and trace metals (iron, manganese, zinc, copper and cadmium) were determined using a laboratory microcosm incorporating in situ pore water samplers. Nutrients (except nitrate) were transported out of the sediment throughout the year, but nitrate fluxes were directed into the sediment in the summer (denitrification) and out of the sediment in the winter (nitrification). The activities of benthic macrofauna resulted in enhanced fluxes but these differed between sites depending on population structure and density and whether irrigation or sediment reworking predominated. Fluxes of trace metals were seasonally and spatially variable and specific differences were observed that could be attributed to both chemical and biological activity. |
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