Monitoring of eutrophication and nutrient limitation in the Izmir Bay (Turkey) before and after Wastewater Treatment Plant

Kontas A., Kucuksezgin F., Altay O., Uluturhan E.

ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL, vol.29, no.8, pp.1057-1062, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0160-4120(03)00098-9
  • Journal Name: ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1057-1062
  • Keywords: nutrients, eutrophication, N/P ratios, Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea, CHLOROPHYLL-A, SEA
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The distribution of inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a was investigated and N/P ratios were determined in Izmir Bay during 1996-2001. The average concentrations showed ranges of 0.01-0.19 and 0.01-10 muM for phosphate-phosphorus; 0.11-1.8 and 0.13-27 muM for (nitrate + nitrite)-nitrogen, 0.30-4.1 and 0.50-39 muM for silicate and 0.02-4.3 and 0.10-26 mug l(-1) for chlorophyll-a in the outer and middle-inner bays, respectively. The results are compared with the values obtained from the relatively unpolluted waters of the Aegean Sea. The N/P ratio is significantly lower than the assimilatory optimal (N/P = 15:1) in conformity with Redfield's ratio NIP = 16:1. Nitrogen is the limiting element in the Izmir Bay. Phosphate, which originates from detergents, is an important source for eutrophication in the bay, especially in the inner bay.