Spatial and temporal variation of resource limitation in Chesapeake Bay

Fisher, Thomas; Gustafson, Anne B.; Sellner, Kevin G.; Lacouture, Richard; Haas, LW; Wetzel, Richard L.; Magnien, Robert E.; Everitt, D. A.; Michaels, B.; Karrh, R.

doi:10.1007/s002270050518

Cited by 196 publications

(124 citation statements)

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“…Bioassays are experimental and can be easy to use. The criteria for what is 'limiting' or not, however, can be subjective, and few studies have quantified the standards (sensu Fisher et al 1999).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nitrogen and phosphorus phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Turner¹,

Rabalais²

2013

Aquat. Microb. Ecol.

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We conducted 158 bioassays to determine phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico and made the following observations. Light limitation occurred where salinity was < 20; at higher salinities, phytoplankton biomass yield became mostly limited by N or by a co-limitation of N plus P (NP). The number of N-limited bioassays was 5 times greater than the P-limited bioassays. NP synergism occurred where salinity was > 20, and represented 59% of all samples that were not light-limited. The interaction of N and P co-limitation was frequently synergistically additive, i.e. the combined effects of N and P limitation together created a greater response than the sum of either separately. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen:phosphate ratio (DIN:Pi) and various concentrations of DIN and Pi did not offer reliable chemical boundaries describing likely areas of exclusive N or P limitation in these bioassays. We conclude that reducing N loading to the shelf is a prudent management action that will partially remediate eutrophic conditions, including those that lead to hypoxia, but the omission of a concurrent reduction in P loading would be shortsighted.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nitrogen and phosphorus phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Turner¹,

Rabalais²

2013

Aquat. Microb. Ecol.

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“…In contrast, phosphorus inputs usually limit freshwater primary production (Hecky and Kilham 1988) and may also set the long-term limit on oceanic production (Tyrrell 1999). In estuaries, where freshwater and seawater mix, spatial and temporal changes in the relative availabilities of nitrogen and phosphorus cause shifts in nutrient limitation (Jordan et al 1991a, b;Doering et al 1995;Fisher et al 1999), which complicate the prioritization of nutrient management (Conley 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs: spatial and temporal variability in the Chesapeake Bay region

et al. 2008

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We estimated net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs (NAPI) in the Chesapeake Bay region. NAPI is an index of phosphorus pollution potential. NAPI was estimated by quantifying all phosphorus inputs and outputs for each county. Inputs include fertilizer applications and non-food phosphorus uses, while trade of food and feed can be an input or an output. The average of 1987The average of , 1992The average of , 1997The average of , and 2002 NAPI for individual counties ranged from 0.02 to 78.46 kg P ha -1 year -1 . The overall area-weighted average NAPI for 266 counties in the region was 4.52 kg P ha -1 year -1 , indicating a positive net phosphorus input that can accumulate in the landscape or can pollute the water. Large positive NAPI values were associated with agricultural and developed land cover. County area-weighted NAPI increased from 4.43 to 4.94 kg P ha -1 year -1 between 1987 and 1997 but decreased slightly to 4.86 kg P ha -1 year -1 by 2002. Human population density, livestock unit density, and percent row crop land combined to explain 83% of the variability in NAPI among counties. Around 10% of total NAPI entering the Chesapeake Bay watershed is discharged into Chesapeake Bay. The developed land component of NAPI had a strong direct correlation with measured phosphorus discharges from major rivers draining to the Bay (R 2 = 0.81), however, the correlation with the simple percentage of developed land was equally strong. Our results help identify the sources of P in the landscape and evaluate the utility of NAPI as a predictor of water quality.

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“…The second shift may, thus, represent a further delayed response to the earlier phosphorus removal. It is possible too that temporary seasonal shifts in resource limitation, as has been observed in the Chesapeake Bay including the freshwater tidal portion of the Potomac River [22], may have been unnoticed. The bottom profile of the embayment played a role in these distinct shifts as well; the SAV established in 1993 in areas that were shallower than the predicted maximum colonization depth of SAV [11].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Successes of Restoration and Its Effect on the Fish Community in a Freshwater Tidal Embayment of the Potomac River, USA

Mutsert¹,

Sills²,

Schlick³

et al. 2017

Preprint

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After a local pollution control plant significantly reduced phosphorus loading into a phytoplankton-dominated tributary of the Potomac River in the early 1980's, water quality and biological communities were monitored bi-weekly from April-September. After a 10-year time-lag, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), once abundant in this freshwater tidal embayment, returned to the area in 1993. After additional reductions in nitrogen load starting in 2000, the system completely switched to a SAV-dominated state in 2005. Fish abundance didn't change during these distinct phase changes, but the fish community structure did. Increases in SAV provided refuge and additional spawning substrate for species with adhesive eggs such as Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), which is now the most abundant species in the embayment. Other changes seen were a decrease in the relative contribution of open water dwelling species such as White Perch (Morone americana), and an increase of visual predators such as Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). The 30-year record of data from this Potomac River tributary has revealed many important long-term trends that validate the effectiveness of initiatives to improve water treatment, and will aid in the continued management of the watershed and point source inputs.

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Spatial and temporal variation of resource limitation in Chesapeake Bay

Cited by 196 publications

References 0 publications

Nitrogen and phosphorus phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Nitrogen and phosphorus phytoplankton growth limitation in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs: spatial and temporal variability in the Chesapeake Bay region

Successes of Restoration and Its Effect on the Fish Community in a Freshwater Tidal Embayment of the Potomac River, USA

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