Phytoplankton biomass, production and growth limitations on the Huanghe (Yellow River) continental shelf

Abstract

We examined phytoplankton populations in coastal waters of the Huanghe (Yellow River) estuary during two cruises in the annual high and normal discharge periods: August 1986 and October 1987, respectively. Strong salinity, nutrient, and phytoplankton pigment concentration gradients occur along the 5 m isobath. Landward of these gradients the phytoplankton growth potential (PGP) appears strongly phosphorus-limited and light limitation of PGP, paradoxically, appears less significant than it does further offshore where the euphotic zone depth is greater. Phytoplankton pigments are sparse both in the river and far offshore, and the peak accumulation (9 μg l −1 chlorophyll a) is centered broadly between 20 and 25 ppt, thus straddling the region of the hypopycnal plume from the hyperpycnal plunge point to where Secchi disk depth exceeds 1 m. As the suspended matter falls out (sharply) near the 25 ppt isohaline, light conditions improve, the N:P ratio drops to below 100, and nitrate concentrations continue to decrease in an offshore direction. Phytoplankton production rates reach a maximum and large algal cells accumulate where the suspended particulate matter concentration drops to less than 10 mg l −1. Both phytoplankton biomass and production declines beyond approximately 32 ppt. Sedimentary pigment accumulations also increase going from land to sea. Phosphorus and nitrogen dominate the suite of nutrients tested to determine which nutrients limit PGP. Phosphorus is probably the major nutrient limiting phytoplankton growth (not necessarily biomass accumulation) in most of the Huanghe estuary. This conclusion is based on the very high N:P ratios of dissolved nutrients, the results of an extensive array of addition and deletion bioassay experiments, and the results of P addition experiments. Where trace metals and EDTA limit PGP, they are usually limiting in concert with other nutrients and do not act alone. Comparison with other large river plumes are made.