Heavy d15N in intertidal benthic algae and invertebrates in the Scheldt Estuary (The Netherlands): effect of river nitrogen inputs
Riera, P.; Stal, L.J.; Nieuwenhuize, J. (2000). Heavy d15N in intertidal benthic algae and invertebrates in the Scheldt Estuary (The Netherlands): effect of river nitrogen inputs. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 51(3): 365-372. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/ecss.2000.0684 In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more |  |
| Keywords | Algae
Algae > Diatoms
Aquatic communities > Benthos
Aquatic communities > Benthos > Phytobenthos
Aquatic communities > Benthos > Zoobenthos
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic animals > Marine invertebrates
Benthic algae
Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Atmospheric gases > Nitrogen
Environmental factors > Anthropogenic factors
Environments > Aquatic environment > Marine environment > Intertidal environment
Eutrophication
Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Shellfish > Marine organisms > Marine crustaceans
Food webs
Food webs > Food chains
Inflow > River discharge
Nutrients (mineral)
Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
Pollution > Water pollution > Brackishwater pollution
Pollution effects
Suspended organic matter
Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
ANE, Netherlands, Westerschelde [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal; Brackish water; Fresh water | | Author keywords | benthic invertebrates; primary producers; isotope ratios; nitrogen; Scheldt Estuary |
| Authors | | Top | - Riera, P., more
- Stal, L.J., more
- Nieuwenhuize, J.
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| Abstract | The study investigated d 15N in the intertidal benthic food webs from the middle Westerschelde Estuary and the middle Oosterschelde. Much heavier d 15N values were observed for the main benthic primary producers and invertebrates in the Westerschelde Estuary. In the Oosterschelde, mean d 15N values ranged from 1.4 to 7.3ppt for SOM and suspended POM, respectively, to 6.3 to 9.1ppt for Fucus vesiculosus and benthic diatoms, respectively. Mean d 15N values in benthic invertebrates ranged from 9.7ppt for Gammarus locusta to 15.4ppt for Tubificoides sp. In the Westerschelde Estuary, mean d 15N increased from 8.1 to 8.6ppt for suspended POM and SOM, respectively, to heavier d 15N from 15.9 to 28.5ppt for F. vesiculosus and benthic diatoms, respectively. Mean d 15N for intertidal invertebrates ranged from 18.1ppt for Lumbricillus sp. to 20.7ppt for Eulimnogammarus obtusatus. Higher enrichment in 15N in benthic primary producers and invertebrates from the Westerschelde Estuary are most likely due to the incorporation of 15N-enriched DIN carried by the Scheldt River by benthic algae and, then by benthic consumers. These results point to the fact that d 15N in benthic estuarine food webs may respond directly to anthropogenic nitrogen inputs delivered into estuaries by rivers which drain highly urbanized areas. |
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