ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
remobilisation
;
nutrients
;
organic carbon
;
estuarine waters
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The processes affecting the in-sea diffusion of nutrients at the Tiber River mouth are strongly dependent on seasonal conditions. In summer, during the low-flow period, a two-layer structure is established and it is then possible to detect the occurrence of biological processes in the lower layer, at the sediment level. During these conditions, the mean concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, inorganic phosphorus and nitrogen increase in the lower saline layer above the theoretical dilution values and, in some cases, the concentrations are double those in the upper layer. During high flow periods, mixing between the river and sea water occurs in the coastal area away from the mouth, with the transport of pollutants being affected mainly by physico-chemical processes. This paper reports the results of surveys of the distribution of soluble and particulate nutrients in the Tiber River estuary, as a function of salinity. The role of biological regeneration processes is inferred from a comparison of the different behaviour of the pollutants in summer and winter.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00026564
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