Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Seasonal cycle of nitrogen and phytoplankton biomass in a well-mixed coastal system (Eastern English Channel)

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The hydrological structure of the French coastal part of the eastern English Channel is strongly linked with tidal regimes and riverine input. Two distinct water masses are separated by a frontal area and drift along the coast in SW–NE direction. These two water masses are well-mixed during the entire year. We studied the seasonal dynamic of nitrogenous nutrients, chlorophyll a and organic particulate carbon and nitrogen at two stations, characteristic of these water masses, during the year 1994. Results show (i) a winter stock of nitrate and ammonium, (ii) a pre-bloom period corresponding to the use of ammonium, (iii) a high bloom period of short duration using nitrate, (iv) a post-bloom period with little phytoplanktonic activity probably limited by nutrients other than nitrogen and (v) an autumnal period of reconstitution of stock. The essential difference between the two stations is the importance of winter stock of nutrients and of bloom chlorophyll a concentration, with the coastal station richer than the offshore one. An assumption about the nitrogen available for new production in this area gives a value of 57% of the winter stock of inorganic nitrogen.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aminot, A. & R. Kerouel, 1982. Dosage automatique de l'urée dans l'eau de mer: une méthode très sensible à la diacétylmonoxime. Can. J. Fish. aquat. Sci. 39: 174–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentley, D., 1984. Contribution à l'étude hydrobiologique du détroit du Pas de Calais - paramètres physicochimiques. Thèse, Universit é des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, 141 pp.

  • Bentley, D., R. Lafite, N. H. Morley, R. James, P. J. Statham & J. C. Guary., 1993. Flux de nutriments entre la Manche et la Mer du Nord. Situation actuelle et évolution depuis dix ans. Oceanol. Acta 16: 599–606.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blight, S. P., T. L. Bentley, D. Lefevre, C. Robinson, R. Rodrigues, J. Rowlands & P. J. l. Williams, 1995. Phasing of autotrophic and heterotrophic plankton metabolism in a temperate coastal ecosystem. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 128: 61–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunet, C., J. M. Brylinski & Y. Lemoine, 1993. In situ variations of the xanthophylls diatoxanthin and diadinoxanthin: photoadaptation and relationships with a hydrodynamical system in the eastern English Channel. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 102: 69–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brylinski, J-M. & Y. Lagadeuc, 1990. L'interface eaux côtière/eaux du large dans le Pas de Calais (côte française), une zone frontale. C.R. Acad. Sci., Paris 311: 535–540.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brylinski, J.M., J. Dupont & D. Bentley, 1984. Conditions hydrologiques au large du Cap Gris-Nez (France): premiers résultats. Oceanol. Acta 7: 315–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brylinski, J. M., D. Bentley & C. Quisthoudt, 1988. Discontinuité écologique et zooplancton (copépodes) en Manche orientale. J. Plankton Res. 10: 503–513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brylinski, J-M., Y. Lagadeuc, V. Gentilhomme, J-P. Dupont, R. Lafite, P-A. Dupeuple, M-F. Huault, Y. Auger, E. Puskaric, M. Wartel & L. Cabioch, 1991. Le ‘fleuve côtier’: un phénomène hydrologique important en Manche orientale. Exemple du Pas de Calais. Oceanol. Acta 11: 197–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brylinski, J. M., C. Brunet, D Bentley, G. Thoumelin & D. Hilde, 1996. Hydrography and phytoplankton biomass in the eastern English Channel in spring 1992. Est. Coast. Shelf Sci. 43: 507–519.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cadé & J. Hegeman, 1991. Historical phytoplankton data of the Marsdiep. Hydrobiol. Bull. 24: 111–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, E. J. & S. Dunham, 1985. Nitrogenous nutrient uptake, primary production, and species composition of phytoplankton in the Carmans river estuary, Long Island, New York. Limnol. Oceanogr. 30: 513–526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, A. & R. J. G. Leakey, 1996. The seasonal cycle of phytoplankton, macronutrients, and the microbial community in a nearshore Antarctic marine ecosystem. Limnol. Oceanogr. 41: 1281–1294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cochlan, W. P., 1986. Seasonal study of uptake and regeneration of nitrogen on the scotian shelf. Cont. Shef Res. 5: 555–577.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collongue, V., 1990. Utilisation et Mise au point de méthodes de dosage sensibles de sels nutritifs azotés dans la couche superficielle des océans. Mémoire d'ingénieur de l'école supérieure d'agriculture de Purpan, 73 pp.

  • Collos, Y. & G. Slawyk, 1980. Nitrogen uptake and assimilation by marine phytoplankton. In Falkowski, P. J. (ed.) Primary Productivity in the Sea, Plenum Press, New York: 195–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dugdale, R. C. & J. J. Goering, 1967. Uptake of new and regenerated forms of nitrogen in primary productivity. Limnol. Oceanogr. 12: 196–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eppley, R.W. & B. J. Peterson, 1979. Particulate organic matter flux and planktonic new production in the deep ocean. Nature 282: 677–680.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, T. R., E. R. Peele, J. W. Ammerman & Jr, L. W. H. Harding, 1992. Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Cheseapeake bay. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 82: 51–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldman, J. C. & P.M. Glibert, 1983. Kinetics of inorganic nitrogen uptake by phytoplankton. In Nitrogen in themarine environment., Academic Press, 233–274.

  • Guegueniat, P., R. Gandon, Y. Baron, J. C. Salomon, J. Pentreath, J. M. Brylinski & L. Cabioch, 1988. Utilisation de radionucléides artificiels (125Sb-137 Cs-134Cs) pour l'observation des déplacements des masses d'eau dans la Manche. In Radionuclides: a tool for oceanography. Elsevier Applied Science, 260–270.

  • Grall, J. R., 1972. Recherches quantitatives sur la production primaire du phytoplancton dans les parages de Roscoff. Thése de doctorat es Sciences Naturelle, Université de Paris VI, France, 259 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, W. G., E. J. H. Head, R. J. Conover, A. R. Longhurst & D. D. Sameoto, 1985. The distribution and metabolism of urea in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Deep-Sea Res. 32: 23–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, W. G. & L. J. E. Wood 1988. Inorganic nitrogen uptake by marine picoplankton: evidence for size partitioning. Limnol. Oceanogr. 33: 468–475.

    Google Scholar 

  • HedinBougard, M., 1980. Hydrobiologie littorale: Phytoplancton (région de DunkerqueMer du Nord). Thése de l'Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, 204 pp.

  • Jones, M., 1968. Phytoplankton studies in the Menai Strait. Msc Thesis, University of Wales, Bangor.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, Z. G., J. S. Lively & E. J. Carpenter, 1983. Uptake of nitrogenous nutrient in a barrier island estuary: Great South bay, New York. Est. Coast. Shelf Sci. 17: 483–493.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koroleff, F., 1969. Direct determination of ammonia in natural waters as indophenol blue. Int. Cons. Explor. Sea 9: 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristiansen, S., 1983. Urea as a nitrogen source for the phytoplankton of the Oslofjord. Mar. Biol. 74: 17–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lagadeuc, Y., J. M. Brylinski & D. Aelbrecht, 1997. Temporal variability of the vertical stratification of a front in a tidal Region Of Freshwater Influence (ROFI) system. J. Mar. Syst. 12: 147–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lancelot, C., G. Billen, A. Sournia, T. Weisse, F. Colijn, M. J. W. Veldhuis, A. Davies & P. Wassman, 1987. Phaeocystis blooms and nutrient enrichment in the continental coastal zones of the North Sea. Ambio. 16: 38–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • La Roche, J., 1983. Ammonium regeneration: Its contribution to phytoplankton nitrogen requirements in a eutrophic environment. Mar. Biol. 75: 231–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lennox, A. J., 1979. Studies of the ecology and physiology of Phaeocystis, PhD Thesis, University of Wales, Bangor.

    Google Scholar 

  • L'Helguen, S., C. Madec & P. Le Corre, 1993. Nutrition azotée du phytoplankton dans les eaux brassées de la Manche occidentale. Oceanol. Acta 16: 653–660.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipschultz, F., S. C. Wofsy, B. B. Ward, L.A. Codispoti, G. Friedrich & J. W. Elkins, 1990. Bacterial transformations of inorganic nitrogen in the oxygen-deficient waters of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific Ocean. Deep-Sea Res. 37: 1513–1541.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lizon, F. & Y. Lagadeuc, 1995. Echelles temporelles et production primaire: considérations méthodologiques. J. Rech. Océanographique 20: 84–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzen, C. J., 1967. Determination of chlorophyll and pheopigments: spectrophotometric equations. Limnol. Oceanogr. 12: 343–346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maestrini, S. Y., J. M. Robert & I. Truquet, 1982. Simultaneous uptake of ammonium and nitrate by oyster-pond algae. Mar. Biol. Letts. 3: 143–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnien, R. E., R. M. Summers & K. G. Sellner, 1992. External nutrient sources, internal nutrient pools, and phytoplankton production in Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries 15: 497–516.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maillard-Quisthoudt, C., 1988. Environnement physique et chimique, productivité primaire phytoplanctonique et bactérienne dans le détroit du Pas de Calais. Thèse de l'Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, 207 pp.

  • Martin-Jezequel, V., 1983. Facteurs hydrologiques et phytoplancton en baie de Morlaix (Manche occidentale). Hydrobiologia 102: 131–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy, J. J., W. R. Taylor & J. L. Taft, 1977. Nitrogenous nutrition of the plankton in the Chesapeake bay. 1. Nutrient availibility and phytoplankton preferences. Limnol. Oceanogr. 22: 996–1011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirlicourtois, M., R. Olivési, F. Jamet, H. Rybarczyk & M. Morel, 1993. Suivi régional des nutriments sur le littoral Nord/Pas de Calais/Picardie. Bilan de l'année 1992. Rapport IFREMER, 58 pp.

  • Morin, P., P. Le Corre, Y. Marty & S. L'Helguen, 1991. Evolution printaniére des éléments nutritifs et du phytoplancton sur le plateau continental armoricain (Europe du nordouest). Oceanol. Acta 14: 263–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muggli, D. L. & W. O. Smith, 1993. Regulation of nitrate and ammonium uptake in the Greenland Sea. Mar. Biol. 115: 199–208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nehring, S., K-J. Hesse & U. Tillmann, 1995. The German Wadden Sea: Aproblem area for nuisance blooms? In Lassus, P., G. Arzul, E. Erard, P. Gentien & C. Marcaillou, Harmful Marine Algal Blooms, Lavoisier, 199–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paasche, E., 1988. Pelagic primary production in nearshore waters. In Blackburn, T. H. & J. Sorensen (eds), Nitrogen cycling in coastal marine environments. SCOPE 33, Wiley Chichester: 33–57.

  • Passow, U. & P. Wassmann, 1994. On the trophic fate of Phaeocystis pouchetii (Hariot): IV. The formation of marine snow by P.pouchetii. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 104: 153–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pingree, R. D. & L. Maddock, 1977. Tidal residual in the English Channel. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 55: 975–992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pingree, R. D., P. M. Holligan, G. T. Mardell & R. N. Head, 1976. The influence of physical stability on spring, summer and autumn phytoplankton blooms in the celtic sea. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 56: 845–873.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quisthoudt, C., 1987. Production primaire phytoplanctonique dans le détroit du Pas de Calais (France): variations spatiales et annuelles au large du Cap GrisNez. C.R. Acad. Sc. Paris, Série III 304: 245–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quisthoudt, C., D. Bentley & J. M. Brylinski, 1987. Discontinuité hydrologique dans le détroit du Pas de Calais. J. Plankton Res. 9: 995–1002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radach, G. & H. J. Lenhart, 1995. Nutrient dynamics in the North Sea: Fluxes and budgets in the water column derived from ERSEM. Neth. J. Sea Res. 33: 301–355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ragueneau, O., E. D. B. Varela, P. Treguer, B. Guéguiner & Y. D. Amo, 1994. Phytoplankton dynamics in relation to the biogeochemical cycle of silicon in coastal ecosystem of western Europe. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 106: 157–172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahmel, J., M. Bätje, H. Michaelis & U. Noack, 1995. Phaeocystis globosa and the phytoplankton succession in the East Frisian coastal waters. Helgoländer Meeresunters 49: 399–408.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rees, A. P., N. J. P. Owens, M. R. Heath, D. H. Plummer & R. S. Bellerby, 1995. Seasonal nitrogen assimilation and carbon fixation in a fjordic sea loch. J. Plankton Res. 17: 1307–1324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riegman, R., F. Colijn, J. F. P. Malschaert, H. T. Kloosterhuis & G. C. Cadée, 1990. Assesment of growth rate limiting nutrients in the North Sea by the use of nutrient-uptake kinetics. Neth. J. Sea Res. 26: 53–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riegman, R. F., A. A.M. Noordeloos & G. C. Cadée, 1992. Phaeocystis blooms and eutrophication of the continental coastal zone of the North Sea. Mar. Biol. 112: 479–484.

    Google Scholar 

  • Remsen, C. C., 1971. The distribution of urea in coastal and oceanic waters. Limnol.Oceanogr. 16: 732–740.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomon, J. C., M. Breton & P. Guegueniat, 1993. Computed residual flow through the Dover Strait. Oceanol. Acta 16: 449–455.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sambrotto, R. N. & C. Langdon, 1994. Water column dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), nitrogen and O2 on Georges Bank during april, 1990. Cont. Shelf Res. 14: 765–789.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strickland, J. D. H. & T. R. Parsons, 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Bull. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 167: 311 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tréguer, P. & P. Le Corre, 1971. Manuel d'analyse des sels nutritifs dans l'eau de mer (utilisation de l'autoanalyseur II Technicon). Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, 110 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, P. J., 1977. Microbiological and chemical studies of Phaeocystis. PhD Thesis, University of Wales, Bangor.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wafar, M. V. M., P. L. Corre & J. L. Birrien, 1983. Nutrients and primary production in permanently wellmixed temperate coastal waters. Est. Coast. Shelf Sci. 17: 431–446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, B. B., K. A. Kilpatrick, E H. Renger & R. W. Eppley, 1989. Biological nitrogen cycling in the nitracline. Limnol. Oceanogr. 34: 493–513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zevenboom, W., M. Rademaker & F. Colijn, 1991. Exceptional algal blooms in Dutch North Sea waters. Wat. Sci. Tech. 24: 251–260.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, URA CNRS 1363, Station Marine, 28 avenue Foch, BP 80, 62930, Wimereux, France

    Valérie Gentilhomme & Fabrice Lizon

Authors
  1. Valérie Gentilhomme
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fabrice Lizon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gentilhomme, V., Lizon, F. Seasonal cycle of nitrogen and phytoplankton biomass in a well-mixed coastal system (Eastern English Channel). Hydrobiologia 361, 191–199 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003134617808

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003134617808

Search

Navigation