Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Turbidity, nutrients and phytoplankton primary production in the Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) before, during and after a large-scale coastal engineering project (1980–1990)

  • Chapter
The Oosterschelde Estuary (The Netherlands): a Case-Study of a Changing Ecosystem

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 97))

Abstract

Turbidity, nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton primary production were monitored in the Oosterschelde before, during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier and two compartment dams.

Flow velocities and suspended matter concentrations decreased severely, causing an increased transparency of the watercolumn. In the eastern and northern compartments, the previously pronounced seasonal variation disappeared.

Reduction of the freshwater load and decreasing nutrient concentrations in the adjacent North Sea coastal waters resulted in lower nitrite + nitrate and silicate concentrations. Autumn phosphate concentrations remained at the same level as before the nutrient reduction. Silicate was a limiting nutrient during the pre-barrier period and nitrogen and silicate were limiting during the post-barrier period.

Annual patterns in chlorophyll-a concentrations in the western and central compartments showed no obvious trend; in the eastern and northern compartments higher values were measured from 1985 onwards.

Primary production during the period 1980–1990 varied between 176 and 550 g C m-2 yr-1. The annual primary production in the western compartment had decreased, while in the central and eastern compartments annual primary production did not change: the formerly existing gradient disappeared. In the northern compartment higher chlorophyll-a concentrations and high annual production suggest that the phytoplankton could benefit from the increased transparency while nutrient concentrations were still high enough to support phytoplankton growth.

Changes in photosynthetic physiological parameters were observed which suggested shade adaptation. This is in contrast to improved light conditions and reduced nutrient availibility. The apparent incoherence with light-shade adaptation theory may be explained by the species shift that occurred.

As a result of the opposite effects of a more favourable light climate and a reduced nutrient availability, together with the resulting species shift, the annual primary production showed a large degree of homeostasis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Bakker, C. &P. van Rijswijk, 1994. Zooplankton biomass in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) before, during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier. Hydrobiologia 282/283: 127–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker, C. &M. Vink, 1994. Nutrient concentrations and planktonic diatom-flagellate relations in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier. Hydrobiologia 282/283: 101–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker, C. &I. de Vries, 1984. Phytoplankton-and nutrient dynamics in saline Lake Grevelingen (SW Netherlands) under different hydrodynamical conditions in 1978–1980. Neth. J. Sea Res. 18: 191–220.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker, C., P. M. J. Herman &M. Vink, 1990. Changes in seasonal succession of phytoplankton induced by the storm-surge barrier in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands). J. Plankton Res. 12: 947–972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker, C., P. M. J. Herman &M. Vink, 1994. A new trend in the development of the phytoplankton in the Oosterschelde (SW Netherlands) during and after the construction of a storm-surge barrier. Hydrobiologia 282/283: 79–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berner, T., Z. Dubinsky, K. Wyman &P. G. Falkowski, 1989. Photoadaptation and the ‘package’ effect in Dunaliella tertiolecta (Chlorophyceae). J. Phycol. 25: 70–78.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boynton, W. R., W. M. Kemps &C. W. Keefe, 1982. A comparative analysis of nutrients and other factors influencing estuarine phytoplankton production. In V. S. Kennedy (ed.), Estuarine comparisons. Academic Press, New York: 69–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cadée, G. C., 1982. Tidal and seasonal variation in particulate and dissolved organic carbon in the western Dutch Wadden Sea and Marsdiep tidal inlet. Neth. J. Sea Res. 15: 228–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cadée, G. C., 1986a. Recurrent and changing seasonal patterns in phytoplankton of the westernmost inlet of the Dutch Wadden Sea from 1969 to 1985. Mar. Biol. 93: 281–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cadée, G. C., 1986b. Increased phytoplankton primary production in the Marsdiep area (western Dutch Wadden Sea). Neth. J. Sea Res. 20: 285–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cadée, G. C. &J. Hegeman, 1991. Phytoplankton primary production, chlorophyll and species composition, organic carbon and turbidity in the Marsdiep in 1990, compared with foregoing years. Hydrobiol. Bull. 25: 29–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colijn, F., 1983. Primary production in the Ems-Dollard estuary. Thesis, University of Groningen.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Jong, D. J., P. H. Nienhuis &B. J. Kater, 1994. Microphytobenthos in the Oosterschelde estuary (The Netherlands), 1981–1990; consequences of a changed tidal regime. Hydrobiologia, 282/283: 183–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Jonge, V. N. &K. Essink, 1991. Long-term changes in nutrient loads and primary and secondary producers in the Dutch Wadden Sea. In M. Elliott &J.-P. Ducrotoy (eds), Estuaries and Coasts: Spatial and Temporal Intercomparisons. Proceedings of the ECSA 19 Symposium, Caen 1989. Olsen &Olsen, Fredensborg, Denmark: 307–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Vries, I. &C. F. Hopstaken, 1984. Nutrient cycling and ecosystem behaviour in a salt-water lake. Neth. J. Sea Res. 18: 221–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dronkers, J. &J. T. F. Zimmerman, 1982. Some principles of mixing in tidal lagoons with examples of tidal basins in the Oosterschelde. In: P. Lasserre &H. Postma (eds), Coastal Lagoons. Proc. Int. Symp. Coastal Lagoons, Gauthier-Villars: 460–474.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubinsky, Z., 1980. Light utilization efficiency in natural phytoplankton communities. In P. G. Falkowski (ed.), Primary productivity in the sea. Plenum Press, New York: 83–97.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Dugdale, R. C. &J. J. Goering, 1967. Uptake of new and regenerated forms of nitrogen in primary production. Limnol. Oceanogr. 12: 196–206.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dugdale, R. C. &J. J. Goering, 1986. The use of 15N to measure nitrogen uptake in eutrophic oceans; experimental considerations. Limnol. Oceanogr. 31: 673–680.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eilers, P. H. C. &J. C. H. Peeters, 1988. A model for the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis in phytoplankton. Ecol. Modell. 42: 199–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Falkowski, P. G., 1980. Light-shade adaptation in marine phytoplankton. In P. G. Falkowski (ed.), Primary productivity in the sea. Plenum Press, New York: 99–119.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fee, E. J., 1973. A numerical model for determining integral primary production and its application to Lake Michigan. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 30: 1447–1468.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, T. R., L. W. Harding, D. W. Stanley &L. G. Ward, 1988. Phytoplankton, nutrients and turbidity in the Cheasapeake, Delaware, and Hudson estuaries. Estuar. coast. Shelf Sci. 27: 61–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flint, R. W., 1984. Phytoplankton production in the Corpus Christi Bay estuary. Contributions in Marine Science 27: 65–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gieskes, W. W. C. &G. W. Kraay, 1975. The phytoplankton spring bloom in Dutch coastal waters of the North Sea. Neth. J. Sea Res. 9: 166–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gillbricht, M., 1988. Phytoplankton and nutrients in the Helgoland region. Helgoländer Meeresunters. 42: 435–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grasshoff, K., M. Ehrhardt &K. Kremling, 1983. Methods of seawater analysis. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herman, P. J. &H. Scholten, 1990. Can suspension-feeders stabilise estuarine ecosystems? In M. Barnes &R. N. Gibson (eds), Trophic Relationships in the Marine Environment. Proc. 24th Europ. Mar. Biol. Symp. Aberdeen University Press: 104–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iturriaga, R. &A. Zsolnay, 1983. Heterotrophic uptake and transformation of phytoplankton extracellular products. Bot. Mar. 26: 375–381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelderman, P., 1984. Phosphate budget and sediment-water exchange in Lake Grevelingen (SW Netherlands). Neth. J. Sea Res. 14: 229–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klepper, O., J. C. H. Peeters, J. P. G. van de Kamer &P. Eilers, 1988. The calculation of primary production in an estuary. A model that incorporates the dynamic response of algae, vertical mixing and basin morphology. In A. Marani (ed.), Advances in environmental modelling. Elsevier, Amsterdam: 373–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klepper, O., 1989. A model of carbon flows in relation to macrobenthic food supply in the Oosterschelde estuary (S.W. Netherlands). Thesis, Landbouwuniversiteit Wageningen.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knoester, M., J. Visser, B. A. Bannink, C. J. Colijn &W. P. A. Broeders, 1984. The Eastern Scheldt Project. Wat. Sci. Tech. 16: 51–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lancelot, C., 1983. Factors affecting phytoplankton extracellular release in the Southern Bight of the North Sea. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 12: 115–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nienhuis, P. H. &A. C. Smaal, 1994. The Oosterschelde estuary, a case study of a changing ecosystem: an introduction. Hydrobiologia 282/283: 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Officer, C. B. &J. H. Ryther, 1980. The possible importance of silicon in marine eutrophication. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 3: 83–91.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pennock, J. R. &J. H. Sharp, 1986. Phytoplankton production in the Delaware estuary: temporal and spatial variability. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 34: 143–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quéguiner, B. &P. Tréguer, 1986. Freshwater outflow effects in a coastal, macrotidal ecosystem as revealed by hydrological, chemical and biological variabilities (Bay of Brest, Western Europe). In S. Skreslet (ed.), The role of freshwater outflow in coastal marine ecosystems. NATO ASI Series, Springer-Verlag, Berlin: 219–230.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Scholten, H., O. Klepper, P. H. Nienhuis &M. Knoester,1990. Oosterschelde estuary (S.W. Netherlands): a self sustaining ecosystem? Hydrobiologia 195: 201–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherr, B. F. &E. B. Sherr, 1984. Role of heterotrophic protozoa in carbon and energy flow in aquatic ecosystems. In M. J. Klug &C. A. Reddy (eds), Current perspectives in Microbial Ecology. American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C.: 412–423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smaal, A. C. &M. van Stralen, 1990. Average annual growth and condition of mussels as a function of food source. Hydrobiologia 195: 179–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smaal, A. C. &R. C. Boeije, 1991. Veilig getij, de effecten van de waterbouwkundige werken op het getijdemilieu van de Oosterschelde. Nota GWWS 91.088 DGW/Directie Zeeland, Middelburg (in Dutch).

    Google Scholar 

  • Smaal, A. C., M. Knoester, P. H. Nienhuis &P. M. Meire,1991. Changes in the Oosterschelde ecosystem induced by the Delta works. In M. Elliott &J.-P. Ducrotoy (eds), Estuaries and Coasts: Spatial and Temporal Intercomparisons. Proceedings of the ECSA 19 Symposium, Caen 1989. Olsen &Olsen, Fredensborg, Denmark: 375–384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smayda, T., 1978. From phytoplankters to biomass. In A. Sournia (ed.), Phytoplankton Manual. Unesco, Paris: 273–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strickland, J. D. H. &T. R. Parsons, 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Bull. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 167: 1–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ten Brinke, W. B. M., 1991. Quantifying mud exchange between the Eastern Scheldt tidal basin and the North Sea. In N. C. Kraus, K. J. Gingerich &D. L. Kriebel (eds), Coastal Sediments ‘91. Volume 1. American Society of Civil Engineers, New York: 760–774.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Bennekom, A. J., W. W. C. Gieskes &S. B. Tijssen, 1975. Eutrophication of Dutch coastal waters. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B. 189: 359–374.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Tol, M. W. M. &H. Scholten, 1992. Response of the Oosterschelde ecosystem to a changing environment: adaptive or functional? Neth. J. Sea Res. 30: 175–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Spaendonk, J. C. M., P. R. M. de Visscher &J. Kromkamp, 1993. Primary production of phytoplankton in a turbid coastal plain estuary, The Westerschelde (The Netherlands). Neth. J. Sea Res. (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vegter, F. &P. R. M. de Visscher, 1984a. Phytoplankton primary production in brackish Lake Grevelingen (SW Netherlands) during 1976–1981. Neth. J. Sea Res. 18: 246–259.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vegter, F. &P. R. M. de Visscher, 1984b. Extracellular release by phytoplankton during photosynthesis in Lake Grevelingen (SW Netherlands). Neth. J. Sea Res. 18: 260–272.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vegter, F. &P. R. M. de Visscher, 1987. Nutrients and phytoplankton primary production in the marine tidal Oosterscheide estuary (The Netherlands). Hydrobiol. Bull. 21: 149–158.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Veldhuis, M. J. W., F. Colijn &L. A. H. Venekamp, 1986. The spring bloom of Phaeocystis pouchetii (Haptophyceae) in Dutch coastal waters. Neth. J. Sea Res. 20: 37–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vroon, J., 1994. Hydrodynamic characteristics of the Oosterschelde in recent decades. Hydrobiologia 282/283: 17–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wetsteyn, L. P. M. J., J. C. H. Peeters, R. N. M. Duin, F. Vegter &P. R. M. de Visscher, 1990. Phytoplankton primary production and nutrients in the Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) during the pre-barrier period1980–1984.Hydrobiologia 195: 163–177.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • (Netherlands) during the pre-barrier period 1980–1984. Hydrobiologia 195: 163–177. Wetsteyn, L. P. M. J. &C. Bakker, 1991. Abiotic characteristics and phytoplankton primary production in relation to a large-scale coastal engineering project in the Oosterschelde (The Netherlands): a preliminary evaluation. In M. Elliott &J.-P. Ducrotoy (eds), Estuaries and Coasts: Spatial and Temporal Intercomparisons. Proceedings of the ECSA 19 Symposium, Caen 1989. Olsen &Olsen, Fredensborg, Denmark: 365–373.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management/RIKZ, P.O. Box 8039, 4330 EA, Middelburg, The Netherlands

    L. P. M. J. Wetsteyn

  2. Centre for Estuarine and Coastal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Vierstraat 28, 4401 EA, Yerseke, The Netherlands

    J. C. Kromkamp

Authors
  1. L. P. M. J. Wetsteyn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. C. Kromkamp
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

P. H. Nienhuis A. C. Smaal

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wetsteyn, L.P.M.J., Kromkamp, J.C. (1994). Turbidity, nutrients and phytoplankton primary production in the Oosterschelde (The Netherlands) before, during and after a large-scale coastal engineering project (1980–1990). In: Nienhuis, P.H., Smaal, A.C. (eds) The Oosterschelde Estuary (The Netherlands): a Case-Study of a Changing Ecosystem. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 97. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1174-4_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1174-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4512-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-1174-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation