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Dissolved phosphorus concentrations in a natural salt-marsh of Delaware

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Summary

Dissolved phosphorus concentrations, salinity, pH, and related physical parameters were used to evaluate the variations in a natural salt-marsh. Diel, tidal, lunar, and seasonal variations in phosphorus concentrations were evaluated for a three year period in a natural marsh, situated along the southwestern coast of the Delaware Estuary.

Seasonal concentrations of dissolved phosphorus reached a maximum during the summer months (150 μg at .l-1) and a minimum during the winter months (10 μg at .l-1). An equation representing the relationship of the measured parameters to the dissolved phosphorus concentrations is presented. Several mechanisms are postulated to explain the seasonal fluctuations in the phosphorus concentrations.

Résumé

Les concentrations dissous de phosphore, la salinité, le pH, et quelques parametres physiques étaient utilisés à évaluer les variations dans un marais salant. Les variations quotidiennes, lunaires, saisonnières et les variations des marées dans les concentrations de phosphore étaient évalués pendant trois années dans un marais salant qui se trouve le long de la côté sud-ouest de l'estuaire de Delaware.

Les concentrations saisonnieres de phosphore dissous ont atteint le maximum pendant les mois d'été (150 μg at .l-2) et un minimum pendant les mois d'hiver (10 μg at .l-2). Une équation qui représente le rapport des paramètres mesurés aux concentrations dissous de phosphore est présentée. Quelques méchanismes sont postulés à expliquer les fluctuations saisonnieres dans les concentrations de phosphore.

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Author notes

  1. Robert J. Reimold

    Present address: Marine Institute, The University of Georgia, 31327, Sapelo Island, Georgia, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Laboratories, University of Delaware, 19711, Newark, Delaware, U.S.A.

    Robert J. Reimold & Franklin C. Daiber

Authors
  1. Robert J. Reimold
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  2. Franklin C. Daiber
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Additional information

Contribution No. 65 from the Marine Laboratories, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware. Contribution No. 207 from the Marine Institute, The University of Georgia, Sapelo Island, Georgia.

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Reimold, R.J., Daiber, F.C. Dissolved phosphorus concentrations in a natural salt-marsh of Delaware. Hydrobiologia 36, 361–371 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00039795

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00039795

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