Nutrient limitation in Hong Kong waters inferred from comparison of nutrient ratios, bioassays and P-33 turnover times

There is a need to determine the spatial and temporal dynamics of nutrient limitation to decide which nutrients should be removed during sewage treatment in Hong Kong. We compared 3 methods to assess potential or actual nutrient limitation. Ambient nutrient ratios were calculated, and nutrient enrichment bioassays were conducted, along with P-33 turnover times. Comparison of nutrient ratios and bioassays demonstrated that the ambient inorganic nutrient ratios, based on the Red-field Si:N:P ratio of 16:16:1, were a rapid and effective method that could be used to predict the potentially limiting nutrient of phytoplankton biomass, except in eastern waters in summer, since the DIN:PO4 uptake ratio was occasionally below the Redfield ratio. The agreement between nutrient limitation indices of growth rate and biomass yield suggested that phytoplankton biomass and growth rate were P-limited in southern waters, with more stable conditions during summer. In contrast, a lack of agreement between these indicators showed that phytoplankton growth in potentially P-limited cases in western waters and Victoria Harbour was controlled by physical processes (e.g. strong hydrodynamic mixing and dilution). The limiting factor for phytoplankton growth varied spatially and temporally. In summer, there was a change from physical processes (e.g. the rapid dilution and possible light limitation due to strong turbulent mixing) in hydrodynamically active western waters and Victoria Harbour to P limitation, or N + P co-limitation, in southern and eastern waters with more stable conditions. In winter, phytoplankton growth was regulated by strong wind-induced vertical mixing. Hence, different seasonal sewage treatment strategies should be considered for nutrient removal.