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Reconciling observed and modelled phytoplankton dynamics in a major lowland UK river, the Thames

Reconciling observed and modelled phytoplankton dynamics in a major lowland UK river, the Thames
Reconciling observed and modelled phytoplankton dynamics in a major lowland UK river, the Thames
This study aims to elucidate the key mechanisms controlling phytoplankton growth and decay within the Thames basin through the application of a modified version of an established river-algal model and comparison with observed stream water chlorophyll-a concentrations. The River Thames showed a distinct simulated phytoplankton seasonality and behaviour having high spring, moderate summer and low autumn chlorophyll-a concentrations. Three main sections were identified along the River Thames with different phytoplankton abundance and seasonality: (i) low chlorophyll-a concentrations from source to Newbridge; (ii) steep concentration increase between Newbridge and Sutton; and (iii) high concentrations with a moderate increase in concentration from Sutton to the end of the study area (Maidenhead). However, local hydrologic (e.g. locks) and other conditions (e.g. radiation, water depth, grazer dynamics, etc.) affected the simulated growth and losses. The model achieved good simulation results during both calibration and testing through a range of hydrological and nutrient conditions. Simulated phytoplankton growth was controlled predominantly by residence time, but during medium–low flow periods available light, water temperature and herbivorous grazing defined algal community development. These results challenge the perceived importance of in-stream nutrient concentrations as the perceived primary control on phytoplankton growth and death.

algae, dynamic model, environmental controls, phytoplankton, river thames, seasonality
0029-1277
576-588
Lázár, Attila N.
d7f835e7-1e3d-4742-b366-af19cf5fc881
Wade, A.J.
0727b197-6fdb-443f-81b1-dd152f63bd06
Whitehead, P.G.
5dfb7549-7f3d-4e18-b99b-db00418fdd5c
Neal, C.
20a1f3f6-1971-4777-99b7-7b3030154e7e
Loewenthal, M.
61a405b1-0936-4406-9049-55e9e256358a
Lázár, Attila N.
d7f835e7-1e3d-4742-b366-af19cf5fc881
Wade, A.J.
0727b197-6fdb-443f-81b1-dd152f63bd06
Whitehead, P.G.
5dfb7549-7f3d-4e18-b99b-db00418fdd5c
Neal, C.
20a1f3f6-1971-4777-99b7-7b3030154e7e
Loewenthal, M.
61a405b1-0936-4406-9049-55e9e256358a

Lázár, Attila N., Wade, A.J., Whitehead, P.G., Neal, C. and Loewenthal, M. (2012) Reconciling observed and modelled phytoplankton dynamics in a major lowland UK river, the Thames. Hydrology Research, 43 (5), 576-588. (doi:10.2166/nh.2012.029).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the key mechanisms controlling phytoplankton growth and decay within the Thames basin through the application of a modified version of an established river-algal model and comparison with observed stream water chlorophyll-a concentrations. The River Thames showed a distinct simulated phytoplankton seasonality and behaviour having high spring, moderate summer and low autumn chlorophyll-a concentrations. Three main sections were identified along the River Thames with different phytoplankton abundance and seasonality: (i) low chlorophyll-a concentrations from source to Newbridge; (ii) steep concentration increase between Newbridge and Sutton; and (iii) high concentrations with a moderate increase in concentration from Sutton to the end of the study area (Maidenhead). However, local hydrologic (e.g. locks) and other conditions (e.g. radiation, water depth, grazer dynamics, etc.) affected the simulated growth and losses. The model achieved good simulation results during both calibration and testing through a range of hydrological and nutrient conditions. Simulated phytoplankton growth was controlled predominantly by residence time, but during medium–low flow periods available light, water temperature and herbivorous grazing defined algal community development. These results challenge the perceived importance of in-stream nutrient concentrations as the perceived primary control on phytoplankton growth and death.

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More information

Published date: 2012
Keywords: algae, dynamic model, environmental controls, phytoplankton, river thames, seasonality
Organisations: Civil Maritime & Env. Eng & Sci Unit

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 350080
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/350080
ISSN: 0029-1277
PURE UUID: c76bada2-e9ea-4dc6-b0fa-f44a4038d564
ORCID for Attila N. Lázár: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-2033-2013

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 18 Mar 2013 16:00
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:45

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Contributors

Author: A.J. Wade
Author: P.G. Whitehead
Author: C. Neal
Author: M. Loewenthal

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