Abstract
Ria de Aveiro is a mesotidal coastal lagoon with one of the largest continuous salt marshes in Europe. The objective of this work was to assess C, N and P stocks of Spartina maritima (low marsh pioneer halophyte) and Juncus maritimus (representative of mid-high marsh halophytes) combined with the contribution of Halimione portulacoides, Sarcocornia perennis, and Bolbochenous maritimus to the lagoon ≈4400 ha marsh area. A multivariate analysis (PCO), taking into account environmental variables and the annual biomass and nutrient dynamics, showed that there are no clear seasonal or spatial differences within low or mid-high marshes, but clearly separates J. maritimus and S. maritima marshes. Calculations of C, N and P stocks in the biomass of the five most representative halophytes plus the respective rhizosediment (25 cm depth), and taking into account their relative coverage, represents 252053 Mg C, 38100 Mg N and 7563 Mg P. Over 90% of the stocks are found within mid-high marshes. This work shows the importance of this lagoon’s salt marshes on climate and nutrients regulation, and defines the current condition concerning the ‘blue carbon’ and nutrient stocks, as a basis for prospective future scenarios of salt marsh degradation or loss, namely under SLR context.
Highlights
Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon is located along the Atlantic Ocean on the northwest coast of Portugal (40°38°N, 8°44°W)
In low marshes (S. maritima), sediment particle size ranged from 36% to 61% silt and clay, whereas in J. maritimus marshes mean silt and clay content ranged from 52% to 57%
Maximum total biomass for J. maritimus was recorded between April and August, whilst for S. maritima it was between April and June
Summary
Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon is located along the Atlantic Ocean on the northwest coast of Portugal (40°38°N, 8°44°W) It is classified as a Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site (http://www.lter-europe.net/) and has one of the largest continuous salt marshes in Europe. In this lagoon, Spartina maritima (Curt.) Fernald and Juncus maritimus Lam. form extensive mono-specific stands, in low- and mid-marshes respectively Threats to these habitats have been attributed to eco-hydrological changes due to dredging activity in the main channels of the Ria in order to maintain navigability and the harbour activities. Threats of SLR in the context of climate change on the salt marshes productivity, C storage capacity and nutrient regulation are briefly discussed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
