Rainfall induced water and nutrient fluxes at a mangrove estuary

Deep understanding of the nutrient exchange between a mangrove estuary and the surrounding coastal region is important for preserving nearshore biodiversity and sustaining appropriate human ecotourism. This study investigated the effect of tidal changes on the water quality and nutrient fluxes of a small mangrove estuary in Japan. Temporal changes in the water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient concentrations (NO3, NH4, and TN) were measured. Nutrient fluxes were calculated using data collected from the Fukido Estuary in 2016 and compared against data collected in 2007. The results showed that NO3, NH4, and TN exhibited a negative correlation with salinity in 2016, but not in 2007. The water and TN net fluxes changed with rainfall. The findings of this study provide useful insights into the nutrient fluxes in a mangrove estuary and facilitate the evaluation of tidal fluctuations and weather-induced effects on nutrient fluxes.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of tidal changes on water quality and nutrient fluxes in a mangrove estuary in Japan. The results showed that there were differences in nutrient concentrations and fluxes between different years, and that the water and TN fluxes were influenced by rainfall.