New approaches for investigating dynamics in coastal
systems: Preliminary results from Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay
Adina Paytan, Ph.D.
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
3:00 p.m. – Pacific Forum
Coastal systems represent some of the most rapidly and
dramatically altered ecosystems on the globe. Among the largest
human-based impacts is the increase in nutrient loading to coastal
systems. The results of this eutrophication include toxic algal blooms,
hypoxic events, increased sedimentation, and reductions in biodiversity.
In order to understand the ecological significance of these increased
nutrient loads to coastal areas, traditional nutrient concentration
monitoring is not sufficient. Systematic knowledge of the sources and the
biogeochemical transformations of these nutrients within the watershed and
adjacent coast must be reached. New approaches for studying nutrient
dynamics will be presented with examples from Elkhorn Slough and Monterey
Bay. These include: estimates of subterranean groundwater input and
associated nutrient load using Ra isotopes; N cycling using coupled d15N
and d18O systematics; P
cycling using d18O of
phosphate, 31P-NMR, and alkaline phosphatase activities. These
approaches may provide new insight into coastal nutrient dynamics and
allow for better management strategies.
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