Naslov
Spatial and temporal distribution of phytoplankton in a highly stratified estuary (Zrmanja, Adriatic Sea)

Autori
Burić, Zrinka ; Cetinić, Ivona ; Viličić, Damir ; Caput Mihalić, Katarina ; Carić, Marina ; Olujić, Goran

Izvornik
Marine Ecology (0173-9565) 28 (2007), S1; 169-177

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Adriatic Sea; distribution; estuary; highly stratified; nutrients; phytoplankton; Zrmanja

Sažetak
The karstic Zrmanja River discharges into the eastern Adriatic Sea, forming a highly stratified estuary with a sharp halocline that divides upper brackish and lower marine layers. Low orthophosphate concentrations and high Redfield ratios indicate that phosphorus limits phytoplankton growth. In addition, high transparency (avg 6.7 m) and oxygen saturation (avg 98.78%) indicate oligo-trophy. Maximum phytoplankton abundance reached 3.4 X 10^6 cells per litre in early spring, a period when the community was composed mainly of diatoms. Dino-flagellates and nanoplanktonic phytoplankton dominated in summer ; cocco-lithophorids and silicoflagellates characterized autumn. Stable conditions in the middle and lower estuary provided a suitable setting for development of micro-phytoplanktonic diatoms, whereas unstable conditions (frequent salinity variations) at the head of the estuary favored nanophytoplankton. Canonical correspondence analysis identified salinity, temperature, and river inflow as the main factors influencing phytoplankton development. Nutrients strongly limited phytoplankton growth in summer when the river discharge was a minimum.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA