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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

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of 7 years of integrated monitoring along the Scheldt estuary. The combination of two datasets resulted in a full description of the estuaries water quality parameters from the mouth to the upper boundary, including an extended fresh water tidal part. A synthesis of the monitoring results and all relevant ecological knowledge on the Scheldt allowed to identify opportunities to optimize its management. The results show that the effect of discharge on salinity has a distinct maximum in the polyhaline to mesohaline transition area. Oxygen conditions, nitrogen removal and phytoplankton regulation can be enhanced and improved through management measures within the estuary. To lower carbon and phosphorous loads however measures should be taken within the catchment. To restore most of its ecological functions the estuary needs more space. Optimal locations to address specific functions can be derived from the monitoring results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Ecosystem Management Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1C, B-2160, Wilrijk, Belgium

    Stefan Van Damme, Eric Struyf, Tom Maris & Patrick Meire

  2. Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology(NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 140, 4400, AC, Yerseke, The Netherlands

    Tom Ysebaert & Carlo Heip

  3. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussel, Belgium

    Frank Dehairs

  4. UPS – CNRS, Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes LEH - FRE 2630, 118, route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France

    Micky Tackx

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  1. Stefan Van Damme
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  2. Eric Struyf
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  7. Carlo Heip
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  8. Patrick Meire
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Correspondence to Stefan Van Damme.

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Damme, S.V., Struyf, E., Maris, T. et al. 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. Hydrobiologia 540, 29–45 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-004-7102-2

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