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Marine Eutrophication: A Proposed Data Analysis Procedure For Assessing Spatial Trends

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Abstract

A methodology for the discrimination of the different trophic levels at a spatial scale in the marine environment is proposedusing spatial analysis methods and non-parametric statistics. Phytoplankton cell number, being a representative parameter to express trophic trends in the marine ecosystem is selected forthe methodology development; Saronicos Gulf, Greece is used for the case study. The proposed stepwise methodology includes interpolation for assessing the spatial distribution of phytoplankton cell number, division of the Gulf into a number of quadrates, development of a scale characterising trophic levels and finally characterisation of the trophic state ofeach quadrate using non-parametric statistics. The advantages of this methodology and the potential applications in coastal management studies are also discussed.

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Author notes

  1. Dimitra Kitsiou

    Present address: CEFREM (Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur l'Environnement Marin), Université de Perpignan, 52, Avenue de Villeneuve, Perpignan, France

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquatic Ecosystems Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of the Aegean, 17 Karadoni Street, Mytilene, Greece

    Dimitra Kitsiou

  2. Aquatic Ecosystems Laboratory, Department of Environmental Studies, University of the Aegean, 17 Karadoni Street, Mytilene, Greece

    Michael Karydis

Authors
  1. Dimitra Kitsiou
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  2. Michael Karydis
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Correspondence to Dimitra Kitsiou.

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Kitsiou, D., Karydis, M. Marine Eutrophication: A Proposed Data Analysis Procedure For Assessing Spatial Trends. Environ Monit Assess 68, 297–312 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010790826759

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