Spatial and temporal patterns of water quality along the estuarine salinity gradient of the Scheldt estuary (Belgium and The Netherlands): results of an integrated monitoring approach

Damme, S. Van; Struyf, Eric; Maris, T.; Ysebaert, Tom; Dehairs, Frank; Tackx, M.; Heip, C.H.R.; Meire, Patrick

doi:10.1007/s10750-004-7102-2

Cited by 118 publications

(79 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…For the same reason there are no vascular plants growing in the main channel and benthic organisms are virtually absent. Due to embankments, the area of intertidal flats and marshes has been decimated, excluding a significant impact to water column biogeochemistry from there Van Damme et al, 2005). In con- trast, the Westerschelde (the brackish and saline part of the estuary) has large tidal flats.…”

Section: Site Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A macro-tidal freshwater ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication: the Schelde case study

et al. 2009

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Abstract. We report a 40 year record of eutrophication and hypoxia on an estuarine ecosystem and its recovery from hypereutrophication. After decades of high inorganic nutrient concentrations and recurring anoxia and hypoxia, we observe a paradoxical increase in chlorophyll-a concentrations with decreasing nutrient inputs. We hypothesise that algal growth was inhibited due to hypereutrophication, either by elevated ammonium concentrations, severe hypoxia or the production of harmful substances in such a reduced environment. We study the dynamics of a simple but realistic mathematical model, incorporating the assumption of algal growth inhibition. It shows a high algal biomass, net oxygen production equilibrium with low ammonia inputs, and a low algal biomass, net oxygen consumption equilibrium with high ammonia inputs. At intermediate ammonia inputs it displays two alternative stable states. Although not intentional, the numerical output of this model corresponds to observations, giving extra support for assumption of algal growth inhibition. Due to potential algal growth inhibition, the recovery of hypereutrophied systems towards a classical eutrophied state, will need reduction of waste loads below certain thresholds and will be accompanied by large fluctuations in oxygen concentrations. We conclude that also flow-through systems, heavily influenced by external forcings which partly mask internal system dynamics, can display multiple stable states.

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Section: Site Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A macro-tidal freshwater ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication: the Schelde case study

et al. 2009

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“…The latter will not only depend on the seawater salinity but will also be influenced by freshwater precipitation (especially on the marsh) and the level of the groundwater table. Water salinity in the Saeftinge area is highly variable, ranging from brackish (5 -18 g/l) to salty (>18 g/l), depending on the tide, river discharge, wind, and also season (salinity in summer/fall is generally higher than in winter/ spring) (Van Damme et al, 2005).…”

Section: Netherlands Journal Of Geosciencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing different shallow geophysical methods in a tidal estuary, Verdronken Land van Saeftinge, Western Scheldt, the Netherlands

Missiaen

Slob

Donselaar

2008

Netherlands Journal of Geosciences

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In order to validate existing models of sedimentation in active sedimentary environments, detailed stratigraphic information is indispensable. Near-surface geophysical methods provide a means to acquire high-resolution images of the stratigraphic succession in the shallow subsurface. Land-based and marine methods have been tested in the Verdronken Land van Saeftinge. This intertidal flat area is cut by numerous tidal gullies, and high tidal amplitudes enable the application of different techniques at various water levels. Data acquisition focused on the upper 10 – 20 m of the active sediment bodies. Applied techniques include high-resolution seismic acquisition, geo-electrical methods (DC resistivity), electromagnetic techniques, CPT, and manual drilling. In general the acoustic methods allowed more reliable and detailed interpretation of the sedimentary structures than the electric/electromagnetic methods. The latter suffered from the effect of tidal action and salt-water intrusion, and their application on land proved very strenuous. CPT and shallow cores provided valuable ground-truth information. The results clearly indicate that no single technique can provide all the answers. Only an integrated use of (complementary) methods will allow getting a better grip on the sedimentary architecture and preservation potential in active estuarine sedimentary environments.

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“…The Schelde has a long tradition of extensive anthropogenic pollution and is characterised as eutrophic (Soetaert & Herman, 1995;Struyf et al, 2004;Van Damme et al, 2005). Notwithstanding large efforts for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment during the last decade in Flanders and other parts of the catchment, water quality is still bad.…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to a long residence time of the water and the intense interactions between water, soil and atmosphere, tidal areas also play an important role in nutrient cycling and the self-cleaning capacity of estuarine rivers (Middelburg et al, 1995;Mallin & Lewitus, 2004;Van Damme et al, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tuning the tide: creating ecological conditions for tidal marsh development in a flood control area

et al. 2007

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The Schelde estuary, characterised as a turbid, polluted and eutrophic system, has nowadays reached a turning point in the restoration of its water quality. During the past century, human activities have reduced the intertidal areas, essential in the estuarine ecosystem for nutrient cycling and the self-cleaning capacity. Today, in combination with a master plan to protect the population from storm surges, an opportunity rises to restore areas with a tidal influence. One specific option of combining safety and ecology is the creation of flood control areas (FCA) under the influence of a controlled reduced tide (CRT). These specific areas will differ in many ways from fully tidal areas. However, these areas can fulfill important ecological functions with effects on aeration, nitrification, denitrification, sedimentation and primary production in the estuary. Opportunities for ecological development within a CRT have been investigated for a specific case. The ecology within a CRT showed to be very case specific, depending e.g. on the morphology of the area, the sluice design and the local water quality. Depending on the sluice design, water quality can be improved and sedimentation can be influenced. Possible measures to design a CRT with a rich habitat variation are discussed.

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Spatial and temporal patterns of water quality along the estuarine salinity gradient of the Scheldt estuary (Belgium and The Netherlands): results of an integrated monitoring approach

Cited by 118 publications

References 63 publications

A macro-tidal freshwater ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication: the Schelde case study

A macro-tidal freshwater ecosystem recovering from hypereutrophication: the Schelde case study

Comparing different shallow geophysical methods in a tidal estuary, Verdronken Land van Saeftinge, Western Scheldt, the Netherlands

Tuning the tide: creating ecological conditions for tidal marsh development in a flood control area

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