Life in an extreme environment: phytoplankton blooms in the upper Scheldt estuary
Muylaert, K.; Kromkamp, J. (2002). Life in an extreme environment: phytoplankton blooms in the upper Scheldt estuary, in: ECSA Local Meeting: ecological structures and functions in the Scheldt Estuary: from past to future, Antwerp, Belgium October 7-10, 2002: abstract book. pp. 13
In: (2002). ECSA Local Meeting: Ecological structures and functions in the Scheldt Estuary: from past to future, Antwerp, Belgium October 7-10, 2002: abstract book. University of Antwerp: Antwerp. 73 + 1 cd-rom pp., more
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| Available in | Authors |
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Document type: Conference paper
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| Keywords |
Algal blooms
Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
Environmental conditions
Properties > Chemical properties > Salinity
Properties > Physical properties > Turbidity
Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
Belgium, Schelde R. [Marine Regions]
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| Authors | | Top |
- Muylaert, K., more
- Kromkamp, J.
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| Abstract |
Being extremely turbid environments characterised by short residence times and rapid changes in salinity, the upper reaches of estuaries comprise an extreme environment for phytoplankton to live and grow in. Nevertheless, in many estuaries including the Schelde estuary, these reaches often support dense phytoplankton populations. In the past, these phytoplankton blooms in the upper reaches of estuaries have often been found difficult to explain. In this presentation, we will describe the extent and composition of phytoplankton blooms in the upper Schelde estuary and aim to evaluate the environmental conditions that allow these blooms to occur. In addition, the importance of these blooms in the functioning of the Schelde ecosystem will be discussed. |
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