Estimation of N/P Ratios Levels in a Coastal Bay, Southern Adriatic Sea
Journal Title: Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International - Year 2016, Vol 8, Issue 1
Abstract
The DIN:DIP atomic ratio (N/P) considered optimal for phytoplankton growth is 16:1 (Redfield ratio). Significant deviations from 14 to low N/P ratio might indicate potential nitrogen limitation, the ratio between 14 and 16 indicates both nitrogen and phosphorus co-limitation, whereas from 16 to high N/P ratios indicates potential phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton primary production. This might affect the biological state of the ecosystem, in particular the phytoplankton biomass, species composition and food web dynamics. NO3- and PO43-concetrations in surface waters in six station samples were measured monthly by using spectrophotometer UV-VIS, whereas total Chl a was measured using flourometric method, from May - October 2011 and from June - October 2012. The data are converted on molar concentration (NO3-N and PO4-P) in order to calculate N/P ratios. The comparison of N/P ratios from 2011 to 2012 in Durres Bay, results in both N and P co-limitation for 2011 and N limitation of primary production in 2012. Comparing N:P ratio in Durres Bay to Southern Adriatic Sea for both 2011 and 2012, resulted in N limitation for Durres Bay and both N and P co-limitation of primary production in open waters. There is a strong positive relationship between primary production (total Chl a) and nitrogen in coastal waters and a moderate positive relationship of primary production and N/P ratio in coastal waters of Durres Bay. The concentrations of NO3-N and PO4-P in Durres Bay were higher than permitted standards for surface waters, while in the Southern Adriatic Sea these concentrations resulted within standards, showing clearly oligotrophic characteristics.
Authors and Affiliations
Laura Gjyli, Ariola Bacu, Jerina Kolitari, Silvana Gjyli, Anisa Trifoni
Keywords
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- EP ID EP351629
- DOI 10.9734/JAERI/2016/25052
- Views 81
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