Maximum Chlorophyll-a Concentration Research Articles

Eutrophication control decision making using EFDC model for Shenzhen Reservoir, China

The three-dimensional hydrodynamic and eutrophication model was implemented based on EFDC to help eutrophication control decision making of Shenzhen Reservoir. Model calibration and validation were conducted with two set of independent observed data in 2009 and 2010–2011. The model represented the hydrodynamic process and the spatial and temporal distribution of water quality well. Subsequently, three eutrophication control scenarios were configured, included removing 100% nutrients from all tributaries, increasing by 50% of water flows, and removing 50% nutrients from Dongjiang. As results shown, the maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations were decreased by 1, 16.4 and 46.3%, the average chlorophyll-a concentrations were decreased by 1.3, 29.8 and 29.9%. Increasing water flows and removing nutrients from Dongjiang can significantly improve water quality and effectively reduce risk of water bloom.

Modelling Dissolved Oxygen/Sediment Oxygen Demand under Ice in a Shallow Eutrophic Prairie Reservoir

Dissolved oxygen is an influential factor of aquatic ecosystem health. Future predictions of oxygen deficits are paramount for maintaining water quality. Oxygen demands depend greatly on a waterbody’s attributes. A large sediment–water interface relative to volume means sediment oxygen demand has greater influence in shallow systems. In shallow, ice-covered waterbodies the potential for winter anoxia is high. Water quality models offer two options for modelling sediment oxygen demand: a zero-order constant rate, or a sediment diagenesis model. The constant rate is unrepresentative of a real system, yet a diagenesis model is difficult to parameterise and calibrate without data. We use the water quality model CE-QUAL-W2 to increase the complexity of a zero-order sediment compartment with limited data. We model summer and winter conditions individually to capture decay rates under-ice. Using a semi-automated calibration method, we find an annual pattern in sediment oxygen demand that follows the trend of chlorophyll-a concentrations in a shallow, eutrophic Prairie reservoir. We use chlorophyll-a as a proxy for estimation of summer oxygen demand and winter decay. We show that winter sediment oxygen demand is dependent on the previous summer’s maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Improving the Effectiveness of a Nutrient Removal System Composed of Microalgae and Daphnia by an Artificial Illumination

For determining the effect of illumination on nutrient removal in an artificial food web (AFW) system, we launched a pilot continuous-flow system. The system consisted of a storage basin, a phytoplankton growth chamber, and a zooplankton growth chamber. A 25,000 Lux AFW-light emitting diode (LED) on system and an AFW-LED off system were separately operated for 10 days. In the AFW-LED on system, the maximum chlorophyll-a concentration of the phytoplankton chamber was four times higher than that of the AFW-LED off system. With artificial nighttime illumination, the microalgae became both smaller and more nutritious; the microalgae became high quality food for the zooplankton, Daphnia magna. Consequently, this zooplankton became more efficient at extracting nutrients and grew more densely than in the AFW-LED off system condition. In the LED-on condition, the amounts of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) flowing into the system for 10 days were 84.7 g and 20.4 g, and the amounts flowing out were 19.5 g (23%) and 4.0 g (20%), respectively. In contrast, in the LED-off condition, 83.8 g and 20.6 g of TN and TP flowed into the system while 38.8 g (46%) and 6.8 g (33%) flowed out, respectively. Artificial illumination significantly improves the removal rate of nutrients in an AFW system.

Simulation of eutrophication in Shenzhen Reservoir based on EFDC model

基于EFDC模型构建了深圳水库三维水动力和富营养化定量模拟模型.分别用2009年和2010 2011年流量、水位和水质等观测数据对模型进行了校正和验证,准确地反映了深圳水库的水动力和水质变化过程.在此基础上,假定支流污染截排、水库调度和降低东江引水污染负荷3种情景进行深圳水库富营养化数值模拟,3种情景下库中Chl.a峰值浓度分别降低1.0%、16.4%和46.3%,平均浓度分别降低1.3%、29.8%和29.9%.深圳水库具有良好的交换能力,尚未出现水华暴发,但入库营养盐负荷高,存在较大的富营养化风险;在目前沙湾河污水已经截排的基础上再实施支流污染控制,对水质改善和藻类控制作用已不明显;水库调度和削减东江引水污染负荷对深圳水库水质和富营养化改善明显,能够有效降低水华发生的风险.;The three-dimensional hydrodynamic and eutrophication model of Shenzhen Reservoir was developed based on EFDC framework. Model calibration and validation were conducted with two sets of independent observed data of water flows, water levels, and water quality in 2009 and 2010 2011. The model represented the hydrodynamic processes and the spatial and temporal distributions of water quality satisfactory. Subsequently, three scenarios were configured to provide decision makings for eutrophication control, included removing 100% nutrients from all tributaries, increasing by 50% of water flows, and removing 50% nutrients from Dongjiang. As shown by the modeling results, the maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations were decreased by 1.0%, 16.4% and 46.3%, respectively, the average chlorophyll-a concentrations were decreased by 1.3%, 29.8% and 29.9%, respectively. Therefore, there is no water bloom in Shenzhen Reservoir so far because water has been exchanged quickly, although there has been eutrophication threats because of the large numbers of nutrients entering into the reservoir from Dongjiang. Increasing water flows and removing nutrients from Dongjiang can significantly improve water quality and effectively reduce the risk of water bloom in the reservoir.

The relationships between chlorophyll-a dynamics and certain physical and chemical variables in the temperate eutrophic Çaygören Reservoir, Turkey.

The Caygoren Reservoir was sampled monthly from February 2007 to January 2009 at three stations to determine the relationships between the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) dynamics and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), water discharge, water transparency, water temperature (T), specific conductance (SC) and pH. Thermal stratification occurred in the reservoir from May to September. The maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations were measured (using a YSI multi probe) in the fall and the minimu, SRP and NO3-N were significant among seasons (P 0.01). The differences in the Secchi disk transparency were significant both among sampling stations and seasons (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that high chl-a concentrations resulted from the increase in available light in the spring and deep mixing in the fall which provided nutrients needed for phytoplankton growth.

A small-scale oceanic eddy off the coast of West Africa studied by multi-sensor satellite and surface drifter data

A small-scale oceanic eddy, which was generated in autumn 2011 at the headland of Cap-Vert off the coast of Senegal, West Africa, and then propagated westward into the open North Atlantic Ocean, is studied by multi-sensor satellite and surface drifter data. The eddy was generated after a sudden increase of the trade winds causing an enhanced southward flow and upwelling at the coast of Senegal. After this wind burst event, an extremely nonlinear cyclonic eddy with a radius of about 10 to 20km evolved downstream of Cap-Vert with Rossby number larger than one. Our analysis suggests that the eddy was generated by flow separation at the headland of Cap-Vert. The eddy was tracked on its way into the open North Atlantic Ocean from satellites over 31days via its sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a (CHL) signature and by a satellite-tracked surface drifter. The satellite images show that this small-scale eddy transported nutrients from the upwelling region westward into the oligotrophic North Atlantic thus giving rise to enhanced CHL concentration there. Maximum CHL concentration was encountered few days after vortex generation, which is consistent with a delayed plankton growth following nutrient supply into the euphotic zone within the eddy. Furthermore, the eddy was imaged by the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) onboard the Envisat satellite. It is shown that the radar signatures of cold eddies result from damping of short surface waves by biogenic surface films which arise from surface-active material secreted by the biota in the cold eddy as well as by the change of the stability of the air–sea interface.

An early spring bloom of large diatoms in the ice-covered Saroma-ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan

Saroma-ko Lagoon, the largest body of water that has complete ice coverage during winter in Japan, was not completely covered by ice in the winter of 2009. This condition is considered to be a result of the progression of global warming. A bloom of large diatoms was observed in the ice-free area between February and April. This early spring bloom seemed to have started in the latter part of January, and lasted for about three months. The maximum chlorophyll-a (Chl a) concentration of about 10 mg m−3 was observed in March, and was similar to the level of 5–20 mg m−3 previously reported for the ordinary spring bloom in Saroma-ko Lagoon. The maximum primary production of 786 mgC m−2 day−1 and the maximum Chl a-specific primary production, an index of the phytoplankton growth rate, were also found in March. Species changes from Thalassiosira spp. to Chaetoceros spp. were observed during the bloom. This early spring bloom could extend into the ordinary spring bloom period. Its duration was obviously longer than that of the spring bloom, which is typically about one month. These results show the phytoplankton condition that could be expected during winter and spring as global warming progresses.

River–reservoir transition zones are nitrogen fixation hot spots regardless of ecosystem trophic state

Reservoir hydrodynamics may create heterogeneity in nitrogen (N) fixation along the riverine–transition–lacustrine gradient. In particular, N fixation may be highest in reservoir transition zones where phytoplankton biomass is also expected to be relatively high. We investigated spatial patterns of N fixation in three Texas (USA) reservoirs of varying trophic state. We sampled 6–9 stations along the longitudinal axes of the major inflows and measured N fixation using the acetylene reduction method. Total N, total phosphorus (P), and algal biomass (as chlorophyll-a) were also measured at each sample location. Measurable N fixation was observed in all reservoirs and was light-dependent. Nitrogen fixation was consistently low in the riverine zone, highest in the transition zone, and low in lacustrine zone of all reservoirs. The absolute magnitude of N fixation was similar in two relatively unproductive reservoirs and an order of magnitude higher in the eutrophic reservoir. A similar pattern was observed in mean nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations among reservoirs. However, chlorophyll-a concentrations were highest in the riverine zone of each reservoir and exhibited a monotonic decrease in the downstream direction. Maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations did not coincide with maximum N fixation rates. Results of our study indicate that reservoir transition zones can be biogeochemical hot spots for planktonic N fixation, regardless of trophic state. Therefore, transition zones may be the most at risk locations for water quality degradation associated with increased reservoir productivity. Water quality managers and aquatic scientists should consider the spatial heterogeneity imposed by unique hydrodynamic controls in reservoir ecosystems.

Spring time production of bottom ice algae in the landfast sea ice zone at Barrow, Alaska

The primary production of bottom ice algae is an important food source for sympagic, pelagic and benthic organisms in the Arctic Ocean as well as Antarctic Ocean. Using 13C- 15N isotope tracers, the recent ice algal production at Barrow during the spring season was lower in 2003 than three decades ago, although the maximum chlorophyll-a concentration for the bottom ice algae was similar to the values from previous studies. Estimated recent new and total production rates of the ice algae were 0.8 g C m - 2 yr - 1 and 2.0 g C m - 2 yr - 1 respectively, while the rates of water column phytoplankton were 0.2 g C m - 2 yr - 1 and 0.7 g C m - 2 yr - 1 for the spring sampling period in 2003. The ice algae contributed 74% of the pelagic primary production under the landfast sea ice at Barrow before the phytoplankton spring bloom. At the end of the season in 2003, a high carbon allocation of lipids in the ice algae was found. Three possible explanations- nutrient depletion, increasing light, and/or changes in species composition- were suggested for the high carbon incorporation into lipids. This high lipid synthesis of the bottom ice algae might be significant to zooplankton and benthic fauna grazers because lipids are the most energy dense biomolecules.

Satellite Data Analysis of the Upper Ocean Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) in the Gulf of Mexico

The biological and physical effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) on the upper ocean are analyzed using satellite observations and model simulations of the mixed layer in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the hurricanes' passages, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer instruments detected two areas of maximum surface chlorophyll-a (chl a) concentration and sea surface cooling. These areas had peak intensities ranging from 2-3 mgmiddotm-3 and 3 degC-4 degC. The depth of the mixed layer deepened by approximately 33-52 m, and the temperature of the mixed layer cooled approximately 2 degC. Hurricane wind fields intensified the oceanic cyclonic circulation, maximizing upwelling, surface cooling, and deepening the mixed layer. The forced mixed layer deepening injected nutrients into the surface layer, resulting in phytoplankton blooms three-five days later (i.e., higher chl a concentrations)

The trophic state of the Baltic Sea a century ago: a model simulation study

We apply a 3-D circulation model with a biogeochemical module (ERGOM) for the simulation of trophic conditions in the Baltic Sea a century ago. One aim is to provide reference or background data for nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorophyll, which is required for the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). We assume that the situation a century ago serves this purpose well. Model input for this long-term simulation study are the regionally differentiated riverine and atmospheric nutrient loads to the Baltic Sea, which were compiled and calculated for a situation 100 years ago on the basis of various literature sources. For the mixed surface layer of the open Baltic Sea, we suggest maximum winter concentrations for dissolved phosphorus (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) of 0.23–0.35 (2.7–3.7) mmol/m 3. Maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations are between 1.8 and 2.4 mg/m 3. The concentrations of all parameters for different coastal waters vary in a wide range, depending on exposure to nutrient sources. Our nutrient concentrations for the situation a century ago are close to early measured data (1950–1960) and suggest that this data is suitable as reference data, as well.

Variations of the Nutrients Loads to the Mainland U.K. Estuaries: Correlation with Catchment Areas, Urbanization and Coastal Eutrophication

The annual loads of nutrients (TOxN equal to nitrate+nitrite; ammonium, phosphate, silicate) to all the estuaries on the mainland of the United Kingdom were estimated from data on water flow through gauging stations at the tidal limits of estuaries, and from concentration measurements under the Harmonised Monitoring Scheme of nutrient concentrations in water samples from these stations. The annual loads of nutrients showed distinct regional variations, with estuaries along the west coast of Wales and northern Scotland having much smaller loads than those along the east coast of England. The largest nitrogen loads were of TOxN, and ammonium loads were usually small in comparison. The Severn, Mersey, Humber and Thames had the highest loads, although these were small in relation to the larger continental European estuaries. Loads of TOxN per unit of catchment area were surprisingly constant (about 105moles Nkm−2y−1). The nutrient loads showed that most U.K. catchments were influenced by human activity, the majority being in the ‘moderately influenced’ category. Nutrient loads were also normalized for the area of each estuary, as a measure of the relative influence of nutrients on the receiving estuaries. The ratios of N:P, N:Si and P:Si in the annual loads suggested that most estuaries were likely to be, if anything, P limited rather than N or Si limited. However, crude annual loads may conceal significant seasonal variations.The spring maximum chlorophylla concentrations in coastal waters adjacent to each estuary were significantly correlated with the log total annual loads of TOxN, ammonium and phosphate (but not silicate) for each estuary, providing a direct link between a measure of the degree of biological response in coastal waters and the nutrient load through the estuaries. There were no significant correlations between spring maximum chlorophyll a concentrations and either catchment-normalized or estuary-normalized nutrient loads. There was significant correlation between catchment area-normalized loads of phosphate and an urbanization index for the catchments, but not with the catchment area-normalized loads of the other nutrients.

Biological production in meso-scale eddies caused by frontal disturbances of the Kuroshio Extension

Frontal disturbances of the Kuroshio and the Kuroshio Extension in the Pacific Ocean cause meso-scale eddies which contribute to accelerating local biological production. Temporal and spatial changes in nutrient and phytoplankton biomass observed in the vicinity of the meso-scale eddies in several recent research cruises revealed upwelling high primary production offshore, and suggested an uptake process by phytoplankton. Here we propose a newly developed “Upwelling–Production Diagram” for evaluating nutrient consumption in relation to primary production, and show that this diagram would be one of the more promising ways of estimating temporal changes in the biological production process from Eulerian observational data. In the Kuroshio Extension, according to observations and numerical simulations, maximum chlorophyll-a concentration in the eddy reached 3–4 μg l−1 in 3–4 d, which is of the same order as the estimates found in the Kuroshio itself. This indicates that primary production caused by frontal eddies is a phenomenon occuring in both the Kuroshio and the Kuroshio Extension. In addition, the density of copepod nauplii increased with chlorophyll-a concentration in the eddy, and large numbers of eggs and larvae of anchovy were recognized at stations where the copepods were highly concentrated. It is difficult to explain how this physical phenomenon directly affects larval survival in the short period of one week, but this correspondence strongly indicates that frontal disturbances contribute not only to primary production, but also to fish reproduction.

Vertical distribution of eggs and larvae ofEngraulis encrasicolus in stratified waters of the western Mediterranean

The vertical distribution of the eggs and larvae of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the western Mediterranean Sea in June 1984 and Agust 1985 was analyzed based on multiple plankton tows carried out at varying depths and using nets equipped with opening and closing mechanisms. Hydrographic parameters such as temperature, salinity, and chlorophylla were recorded simultaneously. Maximum abundance of anchovy eggs and larvae always occurred above the thermocline, even when maximum chlorophylla concentrations were located below the thermocline. Larval distribution appeared to be associated with the availability of suitable food organisms. As in other clupeoid species, the anchovy larvae carried out vertical migrations related to the photoperiod.