Publication
Title
Sediment abiotic patterns in current and newly created intertidal habitats from an impacted estuary
Author
Abstract
The controlled reduced tide system (CRT) is a new technique for restoring tidal marshes and is being tested in the Schelde estuary (Belgium). Biogeochemical processes within a CRT were hypothesized to support and improve several estuarine functions such as sediment trapping and nutrient burial. In 2006, the first pilot CRT was implemented in the freshwater zone of the estuary. Fifteen sediment physicochemical descriptors were intensively monitored over 3 years in the newly created CRT and in reference habitats from the adjacent estuary. Soil transformed rapidly in the CRT; in the most frequently flooded zones, the formation of a nutrient-rich estuarine sedimentary substrate contrasted with the estuarine sand flats where shear stress is sustained by coastal squeeze. The temporal dynamics of the sediment descriptors were investigated to identify key processes involved in the flooding of the CRT sediment. Although many processes were specific to the CRT, both reference and CRT sediment characteristics experienced similar long-term oscillations. However, despite such variations, successful CRT nutrient trapping and fine particles burial were demonstrated. This study proves that the CRT, in accordance with restoration goals, can restore ecological functions in impacted estuaries. In addition, the results highlight the complex timing of abiotic patterns in intertidal sediments.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Estuaries and coasts / Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation [Lawrence, Mass.] - Lawrence, Mass., 2006, currens
Publication
Lawrence, Mass. : Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation , 2014
ISSN
1559-2723 [print]
1559-2731 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S12237-013-9743-8
Volume/pages
37 :4 (2014) , p. 973-985
ISI
000337030300014
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 19.12.2013
Last edited 04.03.2024
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