Variations of Planktonic Chlorophyll-a in Relation to Environmental Factors in a Mediterranean Coastal System (Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean Sea)


POLAT S., terbıyık t.

SAINS MALAYSIANA, vol.42, no.10, pp.1493-1499, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Journal Name: SAINS MALAYSIANA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1493-1499
  • Keywords: Chlorophyll-a, dinorganic nutrients, eutrophication, Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean, PHOSPHORUS LIMITATION, NORTH-ATLANTIC, SPRING BLOOM, VARIABILITY, ESTUARY
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Chlorophyll-a is one of the most widely used parameters to estimate trophic state of an aquatic environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the planktonic chlorophyll-a concentrations in relation to environmental parameters in the east part of Iskenderun Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean Sea). Monthly measurements of chlorophyll-a and inorganic nutrients were done on two transects at 6 stations across the Bay. In addition, variations in temperature, salinity and some meteorological factors were also investigated, their correlation with chlorophyll-a were analyzed. The highest chlorophyll-a concentration (3.8 mu g L-1) was found on coastal transect nearer to the bay. The first peak in chlorophyll-a occurred in May, a second smaller peak was recorded in September. The correlation of chlorophyll-a was significantly positive for Silicate-Si and Nitrate+nitrite-N but not important for Phosphate-P. No dramatic increase in chlorophyll-a levels was encountered in the area during the study period. It was concluded that, due to the hydrodynamic structure of the area, the land-based effects influence chlorophyll-a dynamics.