Abstract
The study investigated δ15N in the intertidal benthic food webs from the middle Westerschelde Estuary and the middle Oosterschelde. Much heavier δ15N values were observed for the main benthic primary producers and invertebrates in the Westerschelde Estuary. In the Oosterschelde, mean δ15N values ranged from 1·4 to 7·3‰ for SOM and suspended POM, respectively, to 6·3 to 9·1‰ for Fucus vesiculosus and benthic diatoms, respectively. Mean δ15N values in benthic invertebrates ranged from 9·7‰ for Gammarus locusta to 15·4‰ for Tubificoides sp. In the Westerschelde Estuary, mean δ15N increased from 8·1 to 8·6‰ for suspended POM and SOM, respectively, to heavier δ15N from 15·9 to 28·5‰ for F. vesiculosus and benthic diatoms, respectively. Mean δ15N for intertidal invertebrates ranged from 18·1‰ for Lumbricillus sp. to 20·7‰ for Eulimnogammarus obtusatus. Higher enrichment in15N in benthic primary producers and invertebrates from the Westerschelde Estuary are most likely due to the incorporation of15N-enriched DIN carried by the Scheldt River by benthic algae and, then by benthic consumers. These results point to the fact that δ15N in benthic estuarine food webs may respond directly to anthropogenic nitrogen inputs delivered into estuaries by rivers which drain highly urbanized areas.
Published Version
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