Long-term perspective on the relationship between phytoplankton and nutrient concentrations in a southeastern Australian estuary

Larsson, Michaela E.; Ajani, Penelope; Rubio, Ana; Guise, K.; McPherson, Ross G.; Brett, Steve; Davies, Kevin; Doblin, Martina A.

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.09.011

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In an arm of the Hawkesbury River estuary north of Sydney, Larsson et al (2017) followed the response of phytoplankton after the implementation of nitrogen removal in a wastewater effluent using a long-term monitoring database. The concentrations of oxidized nitrogen and ammonia declined in the estuary and chlorophyll a concentrations also declined during the summer months, when the risk of harmful algal blooms is greatest.…”

Section: Australiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and Bridges in Abating Coastal Eutrophication

Boesch

2019

Front. Mar. Sci.

127

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Over the past 30 years concerted campaigns have been undertaken to reverse nutrient-driven eutrophication in coastal waters in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Typically, eutrophication abatement has proven a more recalcitrant challenge than anticipated, with ecosystem improvements only recently beginning to emerge or falling short of goals. Reduction in nutrient loads has come mainly from advanced treatment of wastewaters and has lagged targets set for diffuse agricultural sources. Synthesis of the major campaigns-varying in terms of physical settings, ecosystem characteristics, nutrient sources, socio-economic drivers, and governance-identified barriers inhibiting eutrophication abatement and potential bridges to overcome them. Actionable science can be advanced by: application of the well-established and emerging knowledge and experience around the globe, client-responsive strategic research, and timely and conclusive adjudication of scientific controversies. More accountable governance requires: enduring engagement of high-level officials of the responsible governments; effective communication of the causes, risks and benefits to the public and stakeholders; quantitative and accountable allocation of responsibility for nutrient load reductions; and binding requirements, as opposed to simply voluntary actions. Effective reduction in nutrient loads requires: reduction strategies for both nitrogen and phosphorus; inclusion of actions that reduce atmospheric emissions of nitrogen in addition to direct inputs to waterways; efficacious regulations; public subsidies based on performance; limitations on biofuel production that increases nutrient loads; and enhancing the sinks and losses for legacy nutrients retained in soils and groundwater. Outcomes must be measured and strategies appropriately adjusted through: sustained monitoring of essential indicators and processes, the use of multiple models, truly adaptive management, and cautious interventions within the coastal ecosystem. The changing climate must be taken into account by reassessing achievable future conditions and seeking alternatives for mitigating and adapting to climate change that also reduce nutrient loads.

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Section: Australiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and Bridges in Abating Coastal Eutrophication

Boesch

2019

Front. Mar. Sci.

127

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“…2012, Larsson et al 2016). Whilst potentially harmful phytoplankton are often observed in this estuary (Ajani et al 2013), it has only been in more recent years that high cell densities of Dinophysis acuminata have been reported as part of an ongoing water quality program.…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling bloom formation of the toxic dinoflagellates Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis caudata in a highly modified estuary, south eastern Australia

Ajani

Larsson

Rubio³

et al. 2016

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

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“…These blooms, however, appear to be driven largely by water column stability despite high nutrient availability. While upgrades to the treatment plant(s) in Berowra Creek of the Hawkesbury River in 2003 resulted in a reduced nutrient load entering the system, N concentrations in the estuary remain relatively high (Larsson et al 2017). With the apparent increase in P. minimum blooms in the Hawkesbury River and elsewhere, understanding nutrient forms, variability and availability is critical and highlights the value of long-term water quality datasets.…”

Section: Effect Of Nutrients On P Minimummentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Significant alteration of the natural river flow, intensive urban and industrial development and an increasing demand for water supply have increased the threat of eutrophication in the HNRS. This particular bloom occurred, however, following a decade of significant reduction in point source nitrogen from two wastewater treatment plants (a consequence of enhanced effluent treatment) and a concomitant decline in salinity (increased rainfall) (Larsson et al 2017). Here, using a long-term microalgal and physico-chemical dataset, our aim was to examine the spatial and temporal patterns of P. minimum in the Hawkesbury River estuary and to identify the key drivers of P. minimum blooms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%