Raum-Zeit-Dynamik der Nährstoffe Stickstoff, Phosphor und Silizium in der Stromelbe

Shifts in the Processes of Oxygen and Nutrient Balances in the River Elbe since the Transformation of the Economic Structure

“…The level of ammonium, the emission of which into the water has considerably declined as a result of factory closures and building of wastewater treatment facilities, has now dropped below the measurable limit during the summer in the Upper Elbe with the exception of Schmilka and downstream of the Saale-Elbe confluence because of the existing loading in the subbasins. As according to balance calculations denitrification is to be observed along the course of the river (10...15% of the total nitrogen load throughout the reach measuring 530 km between Schmilka and Neu Darchau [15]), the higher nitrite levels are attributed to this process, which can take place on microzones (suspended matter, sediment, water/sediment contact zone) low in oxygen. Its concentration is subject to a pronounced annual pattern with higher values during the winter months, which are, however, subject to a dilution effect in the event of increased water flow.…”