Dramatic changes of biotic and abiotic factors by tidal influences in Seomjin River estuary and Gwangyang Bay, Korea

Abstract

We estimated the phytoplankton community dynamics along the salinity gradients in the Seomjin River Estuary, Korea, by investigating the seasonal abiotic and biotic factors at 14 sites at flood and ebb during the spring tide season. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) evaluate nutrient discharge to euphotic layers in the SRE from Seomjin River runoff, and resuspension of bottom sediment from the shallow inner area of Gwangyang Bay (ii) investigate the spatial and temporal variability of abiotic and biotic factors, including phytoplankton assemblages, under various tidal conditions. These could be involved in the regulation of the activity of aquatic organisms, such as phytoplankton, following nutrient changes in both flood and ebb tides during spring tides in the SRE.ectives of the present study were to: (i) evaluate nutrient discharge to euphotic layers in the SRE from Seomjin River runoff, and resuspension of bottom sediment from the shallow inner area of Gwangyang Bay (ii) investigate the spatial and temporal variability of abiotic and biotic factors, including phytoplankton assemblages, under various tidal conditions. These could be involved in the regulation of the activity of aquatic organisms, such as phytoplankton, following nutrient changes in both flood and ebb tides during spring tides in the SRE.