Effect of algae on flocculation of suspended bed sediments in a large shallow lake. Consequences for ecology and sediment transport processes

Pardo, M.A. De Lucas; Sarpe, Dirk; Winterwerp, Johan C.

doi:10.1007/s10236-015-0841-y

Cited by 20 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The species composition of the microbial community can significantly impact floc structure e.g. by the way colonies are formed 44 . Also, the type and amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced during the metabolism of bacteria and phytoplankton, depend on the species community and the substrate they grow on, their growth phases and stressors 45 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical transitions in suspended sediment dynamics in a temperate meso-tidal estuary

Cox

Maris

Engeland

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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There is growing consensus that human interventions can fundamentally change fine sediment transport in estuaries. Critical transitions in response to human interventions have been hypothesized based on indirect observational evidence and theoretical understanding. So far direct evidence has been lacking. Based on a 20 year data-set of surface suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations, we present empirical evidence of critical transitions in a temperate meso-tidal estuary. In 2008–2009 the SPM dynamics of the Scheldt estuary (Belgium/The Netherlands) changed dramatically. Not only did the total amount of sediment in suspension increase, a new maximum turbidity zone (MTZ) at typical winter discharges appeared. At intermediate and low summer discharges the longitudinal distribution of SPM now flickers between two markedly different states. Our data suggest that a range of human interventions (fairway widening and deepening, dredging and dumping activities) set the scene leading to the observed transitions. Moreover the freshwater MTZ in the Scheldt and in its major tributary exhibit an increasing sensitivity towards freshwater discharge, coinciding with water quality improvements. This suggests large scale impacts of changes in eutrophication status on estuarine sediment dynamics. This has largely been a blind spot in morphodynamic research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical transitions in suspended sediment dynamics in a temperate meso-tidal estuary

Cox

Maris

Engeland

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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“…Fine sediment resuspension reduces light availability for primary production in the water column and may hamper zooplankton feeding, thereby limiting the trophic transfer efficiency of phytoplankton to higher trophic levels (e.g. de Lucas Pardo et al., 2015; G.‐Tóth et al., 2011; Penning et al., 2013). Third, basalt and asphalt dikes form homogeneous steep, hard shorelines – and the water level is stable, managed, and reversed (maximum variation 0.5–1.0 m, high in summer and low in winter).…”

Section: The Marker Wadden Projectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing ecological integrity while preserving ecosystem services: Constructing soft‐sediment islands in a shallow lake

Leeuwen

Temmink

Jin

et al. 2021

Ecol Sol and Evidence

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Ecosystems are increasingly managed to provide multiple benefits to humans, which often degrades their ecological integrity. This strongly applies to aquatic ecosystems, in which engineering can enhance flood protection, drinking water supply, fisheries and recreation. Although these activities typically increase ecosystem functionality to humans, they often impair key aspects of biodiversity and natural functioning. Classical restoration of such degrading freshwater ecosystems can lead to societal opposition, if returning to a former ecosystem state affects previously acquired ecosystem services. Innovative nature‐based solutions are therefore needed that enhance natural values in ecosystems, without affecting existing services. We present a large‐scale project aiming to increase the ecological integrity of a human‐modified freshwater lake while maintaining its services to humans. The freshwater lake Markermeer in the Netherlands was formed by closing off an estuary for flood protection. The ecological integrity of this lake diminished over time, likely because a declining primary productivity impaired biodiversity at higher trophic levels. This decline is associated with a lack of gradual land–water transitions, strong resuspension of fine sediments, low nutrient availability and lack of dynamics typically to be expected in a natural temperate freshwater lake. Restoring the lake to its former marine state would conflict with current ecosystem services. A nature‐based solution was initiated in 2016, consisting of constructing a five‐island archipelago from the lake's own soft‐sediments called the ‘Marker Wadden’. The project aims to increase the lake's primary production by creating gradual land–water transitions, more heterogeneity in water depths and decreasing turbidity by creating shelter and deep sinks reducing fine‐sediment resuspension by the wind – thus introducing currently missing elements that are typical for natural lakes. We present the underlying ecological framework and first scientific results of this innovative ongoing project. Within 4 years, the Marker Wadden project shows how forward‐looking sustainable development of lake ecosystems using a rewilding approach can enhance natural processes and attract birds and fish, without conflicting with existing ecosystem services. This inspires new directions for halting and reversing the degradation of other vital ecosystems worldwide.

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“…Reviewing other studies [28,50] revealed similar SPM dynamics around an algal bloom period. Proliferation of a specific algae group could enhance flocculation and store sediments in the near-bed layer, and hence could cause large but suspended biological aggregates and a low SPM concentration in the water column.…”

Section: Spm Dynamics During the Algae Bloom And Normal Periods In Thmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Biomineral Suspended Particulate Matter Properties in High-Turbid Nearshore and Low-Turbid Offshore Zones

Fettweis

Lee

2017

Water

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Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is abundant and essential in marine and coastal waters, and comprises a wide variety of biomineral particles, which are practically grouped into organic biomass and inorganic sediments. Such biomass and sediments interact with each other and build large biomineral aggregates via flocculation, therefore controlling the fate and transport of SPM in marine and coastal waters. Despite its importance, flocculation mediated by biomass-sediment interactions is not fully understood. Thus, the aim of this research was to explain biologically mediated flocculation and SPM dynamics in different locations and seasons in marine and coastal waters. Field measurement campaigns followed by physical and biochemical analyses had been carried out from 2004 to 2011 in the Belgian coastal area to investigate bio-mediated flocculation and SPM dynamics. Although SPM had the same mineralogical composition, it encountered different fates in the turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) and in the offshore zone (OSZ), regarding bio-mediated flocculation. SPM in the TMZ built sediment-enriched, dense, and settleable biomineral aggregates, whereas SPM in the OSZ composed biomass-enriched, less dense, and less settleable marine snow. Biological proliferation, such as an algal bloom, was also found to facilitate SPM in building biomass-enriched marine snow, even in the TMZ. In short, bio-mediated flocculation and SPM dynamics varied spatially and seasonally, owing to biomass-sediment interactions and bio-mediated flocculation.

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Effect of algae on flocculation of suspended bed sediments in a large shallow lake. Consequences for ecology and sediment transport processes

Cited by 20 publications

References 29 publications

Critical transitions in suspended sediment dynamics in a temperate meso-tidal estuary

Critical transitions in suspended sediment dynamics in a temperate meso-tidal estuary

Enhancing ecological integrity while preserving ecosystem services: Constructing soft‐sediment islands in a shallow lake

Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Biomineral Suspended Particulate Matter Properties in High-Turbid Nearshore and Low-Turbid Offshore Zones

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