Dissolved oxygen and nutrients in coastal waters impacted by the strymon river plume, North Aegean Sea, Greece

Abstract

Three hydrographic cruises were conducted during 1997-1999 in north Aegean Sea, in order to study the dissolved oxygen (DO) and nutrient distributions in Strymonikos Gulf impacted by the riverine waters of the Strymon River. The approaches used in this paper include a preliminary estimation of the nutrient load of Strymon River and the influence of the riverine waters upon the DO and nutrient distribution in Strymonikos Gulf. Nutrient levels recorded in Strymon River were similar with other international Rivers. The influence of Strymonas River on the DO and nutrient distributions was clearly detected during December 1997 and May 1998. On the contrary, during March 1999 the influence of Strymon River was not so clearly detected. High nutrient concentrations were recorded close to the mouth of the river. As mixing with offshore waters progressed, nutrient levels declined dramatically. Plots of atomic DIN:P (ratio of the total dissolved inorganic nitrogen to dissolved inorganic phosphorus), Si:P (ratio of dissolved silica to dissolved inorganic phosphorus) and Si:DIN ratios in Strymonikos Gulf, during the three sampling periods studied, indicated stoichiometric P-limitation in about 34%. Furthermore, the data indicated significant probable N-limitation (31.4%), while Si-limitation was not probable (2.9%). In particular, 31% of the data showed a defined P-limitation in December, whereas 30% of the data showed N-limitation. It is noteworthy that Si-limitation was not recorded. In May, the atomic DIN:P ratio indicated P-limitation in about 21% and N-limitation in about 46%. Si-limitation was not recorded. Finally, in March, the 51% of the data showed P-limitation, whereas only the 16% showed N-limitation and 8% showed Si-limitation.