Zur Biologie des Planktons des Königshafens (Nordsylter Wattenmeer)

From May 1979 on, the following parameters were measured at a station in the inlet of Königshafen near List (Island of Sylt): temperature, salinity, mesozooplankton (>76 µm), chlorophyll-a, seston dry weight, oxygen and phytoplankton-nutrients (NH₄-N, NO₂-N, NO₃-N, PO₄-P, SiO₃-Si). A multiple regression analysis showed the interrelationships between the parameters measured. Tidal influences on zooplankton and seston dry weight could be observed. At low tide, the amount of zooplankton (not counting the harpacticoid copepods) declines and the number of harpacticoid copepods rises as does the seston dry weight too. The chlorophyll-a content is a function of the phytoplankton-nutrients. An increase in chlorophyll-a leads to a decrease in nitrogen and silicate concentrations. Phosphate, due possibly to a sewage inlet into the Königshafen, is not a limiting factor. The availability of nutrients is influenced by temperature, salinity and the tidal cycle. The amount of oxygen is dependent on water temperature and seston dry weight. High water temperatures and a high seston content lead to a decrease in oxygen concentrations.     

Two different methods of evaluating nutrient limitations of periphyton bioassays,using water from the River Rhine and eight of its tributaries

An investigation was untertaken to evaluate the nutrient status of the River Rhine (two stations) and eight of its tributaries (total of ten samplings). Determinations of the following inorganic substances were made: PO₄ ^?3-P; NO₃ ^?-N; NO₂ ^?-N; NH₄ ⁺ -N and Cl^?. In addition, pH and carbonate alkalinity were measured. Bioassays to obtain the algal growth potential (AGP) were carried out using periphyton from the River Rhine. A linear relationship could be established between NO₃ ^?-N and the AGP, while the AGP showed a non-linear dependence on the PO₄ ^3?-P concentration. The critical N/P ratio for N or P limitation of the algal growth in bioassays was evaluated graphically and by calculation. The results of the two methods are in good agreement: N is the limiting factor at NO₃ ^?N/PO₄ ^3?-P ratios less than 10, while P is limiting at ratios greater than 20. At values between 10 and 20 neither N nor P can be supposed with certainty to be limiting.     

The study of phosphorus and nitrogen fluxes in enriched isolation columns

Isolation columns positioned in approximately 3.5 m of water in Midmar Dam, were enriched with PO₄-P and NO₃-N, singly and in combination. Increased chlorophyll concentration resulted from all enrichment treatments. Responses showed marked seasonality and varied in intensity and duration. Despite the PO₄-P fixing potential of the sediments, SRP concentrations increased markedly at times and possible reasons for this discussed. The marked response to addition of NO₃-N alone suggested a flux of phosphorus from the sediment through the water to the algal component. The significance of periphyton within the columns is discussed.     

九龙江河口区养虾塘沉积物-水界面营养盐交换通量特征

通过对九龙江河口区陆基养虾塘水样和沉积物样品采集分析及结合室内模拟实验,探讨了虾塘在不同养殖阶段沉积物-水界面营养盐通量时间变化特征及其主要影响因素。虾塘沉积物向上覆水体释放NO_x~--N(NO_2~--N和NO_3~--N)、NH_4~+-N和PO_4~(3-)-P能力均呈现随养殖时间推移而降低的特征。沉积物在养殖中期和后期分别呈现对上覆水体NO_x~--N和PO_4~(3-)-P的吸收现象,但总体表现为释放(平均通量分别为(1.87±1.15)、(1.58±0.52)mg m~(-2)h~(-1)和(1.22±0.62)mg m~(-2)h~(-1))。沉积物-水界面溶解无机氮交换以NH_4~+-N为主(沉积物平均释放通量为(46.18±13.82)mg m~(-2)h~(-1))。沉积物间隙水与上覆水间的营养盐浓度差(梯度)及温度对上述交换通量的时间动态特征具有重要调控作用。研究结果表明养殖初期或中期沉积物较高的无机氮(尤其是NO_2~--N和NH_4~+-N)释放是养殖塘水质恶化的一个极具潜力的污染内源,可能会对虾的健康生长产生负面效应,控制沉积物无机氮释放是养虾塘养殖初期和中期重要的日常管理活动之一。     

NUTRIENT SEQUESTRATION,BIOMASS PRODUCTION BY MICROALGAE AND PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SEWAGE WATER

The present work was aimed at analysing the role of inoculated microalgae in nutrient dynamics, bioremediation and biomass production of sewage water. Preliminary microscopic analyses of sewage water revealed the presence of different algal groups, with predominance of Cyanophyta. Among the inoculated strains, Calothrix showed highest dry cell weight (916.67 mg L^?1), chlorophyll and carotenoid content in tap water + sewage water (1:1) treatment. Significant removal of NO₃-N ranging from 57–78% and PO₄-P (44–91%) was recorded in microalgae inoculated tap water + sewage water. The total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity of tap water + sewage water after incubation with Calothrix sp. decreased by 28.5 and 28.0%, accompanied by an increase in dissolved oxygen from 4.4 to 6.4 mg L^?1 on the 20th day. Our investigation revealed the robustness of Calothrix sp. in sequestering nutrients (N and P), improving water quality and proliferating in sewage water.     

Anthropogenic impact on water quality of Chilika lagoon RAMSAR site: a statistical approach

This paper investigated the spatio-temporal variability of water quality parameters (transparency, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients viz. NH₃-N, NO₂-N, NO₃⁻-N, PO₄³-P, total nitrogen, total phosphorous and chlorophyll-a) in Chilika lagoon during 2001–2003 in order to better understand its ecological characteristics. Marked spatial and seasonal variations were detected with respect to almost all parameters studied. Northern sector of the lagoon is more affected by the anthropogenic stress from the catchments than the southern sector. Addition of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds to the lagoon mainly occurred through the drainage from agricultural lands and river run off during the early months of paddy cultivating seasons. Phytoplankton productivity of the lagoon was nitrogen limited, as suggested by nitrogen to phosphorous ratio. Processes affecting the water quality of the lagoon system included agricultural drainage, sewage intrusion, macrophyte litter fall and exchange of water between lagoon and the sea (Bay of Bengal). Further in depth study pertaining to quantification of exogenous material input and their disposal is recommended to ensure proper management of the lagoon and its resources.     

Space–time configurations of solute input and biological uptake in river systems traversing limestone uplands (Yorkshire Dales,northern England)

Solute concentrations, including major plant nutrients, are surveyed from sampling during 1985–89 in river systems variably influenced by upland Dinantian (Carboniferous) limestone. Concentrations of most ions generally increase downstream, but there are widespread dilution effects after rainy periods for major ions and local depletions of mostly biological origin for major plant nutrients. In the upper reaches, these depletions develop mainly under low flow from the influence of benthic algae and macrophytes; they affect inorganic C as HCO₃ ^- plus dissolved gaseous CO₂ and soluble reactive forms of Si, N and P. Inflow – outflow differences of an upland lake result from biological influence on these constituents and also Ca⁺ and K⁺. Experimental injections of NH₄-N, PO₄-P and K⁺were made to an acid headwater of the River Swale, together with Na⁺ and Cl^- as supposed conservative reference ions. Uptake is insignificant for K⁺ but marked for NH₄-N and PO₄-P; the residual percentage decreases exponentially with time. Relative rates of net uptake per unit time are greater for P than for NH₄-N and larger under conditions of higher flow velocity and benthic algal growth. Although limestone is lacking in some headwater regions, where atmospheric inputs appear to predominate, overall its chemical denudation as Ca²⁺ and HCO₃ ^-provides most of the solute flux downstream, as well as in some karstic headwaters where the highest values are limited by CaCO₃ saturation.     

Effect of a modular extensive green roof on stormwater runoff and water quality

Runoff quantity and quality from a 248 m² extensive green roof and a control were compared in Connecticut using a paired watershed study. Weekly and individual rain storm samples of runoff and precipitation were analyzed for TKN, NO₃ + NO₂-N, NH₃-N, TP, PO₄-P, and total and dissolved Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Hg. The green roof watershed retained 51.4% of precipitation during the study period based on area extrapolation. Overall, the green roof retained 34% more precipitation than predicted by the paired watershed calibration equation. TP and PO₄-P mean concentrations in green roof runoff were higher than in precipitation but lower than in runoff from the control. The green roof was a sink for NH₃-N, Zn, and Pb, but not for TP, PO₄-P, and total Cu. It also reduced the mass export of TN, TKN, NO₃ + NO₂-N, Hg, and dissolved Cu primarily through a reduction in stormwater runoff. Greater than 90% of the total Cu, Hg, and Zn concentrations in the green roof runoff were in the dissolved form. The growing media and slow release fertilizer were probable sources of P and Cu in green roof runoff. Overall, the green roof was effective in reducing stormwater runoff and overall pollutant loading for most water quality contaminants.     

Colimitation and the coupling of N and P uptake kinetics in oligotrophic mountain streams

Ecosystem element cycles can be tightly linked by both abiotic and biotic processes. Evidence for multi-element limitation (i.e., colimitation) of a variety of ecosystem processes is growing rapidly, yet our ability to quantify patterns of coupled nutrient dynamics at the ecosystem level has been hindered by logistical and methodological constraints. Here we quantify coupled nitrogen and phosphorus uptake kinetics in three oligotrophic mountain streams by using novel experimental techniques that quantify colimitation dynamics across a range of nutrient concentrations and stoichiometries. We show that relative demand for NO₃-N and PO₄-P varied across streams, but that short term availability of one nutrient consistently resulted in elevated, but variable, uptake of the other nutrient at all sites. We used temporally offset, pulsed nutrient additions to parameterize dual-nutrient Michaelis–Menten uptake surface models that represent NO₃-N and PO₄-P uptake at any given concentration or dissolved NO₃-N:PO₄-P stoichiometry. Our results indicated that the uptake of N and P were strongly enhanced in the presence of the other nutrient. Surface models quantitatively reflect patterns of colimitation and multi-element demand in streams, and should allow for parameterization of more realistic stream network models that explicitly account for interactions among element cycles.     

海水中藻菌共培养体系对碳氮磷的吸收转化

海洋环境中,细菌和微藻之间的物质交换是生源要素在自然界中迁移转化的重要方式。为进一步了解生源要素的生物地球化学循环,在实验室模拟条件下,研究了共培养体系中营养盐和有机物在细菌和微藻之间的转换。通过纯培养中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)、东海原甲藻(Prorocentrum donghaiense)、天然海水中的细菌以及藻菌混合培养,分析了营养盐和有机物随藻菌生物量的变化情况,并计算了溶解有机碳(DOC)和溶解有机氮(DON)的浓度比值[(DOC/DON)a]。结果发现,在共培养体系中,细菌对中肋骨条藻的生长有抑制作用,对东海原甲藻影响不明显;中肋骨条藻有利于细菌生长,东海原甲藻抑制细菌生长,这种不同可能与微藻的粒径有关。海洋细菌在2种藻的指数生长均期均会促进微藻吸收氨氮(NH_4-N),但在生长末期NH_4-N以释放为主。硝氮(NO_3-N)的浓度与藻的生长呈负相关,但在衰亡期NO_3-N略有增加,表明NO_3-N再生所需时间较长。细菌对硝氮的吸收量较少,但对其再生有贡献。细菌和中肋骨条藻对磷酸盐(PO_4-P)的吸收存在竞争,但与东海原甲藻的竞争关系不明显。不同培养体系中DOC浓度变化不同,在藻菌共培养体系中增加较快,纯藻培养体系中增加缓慢,在纯菌培养体系中缓慢减少。通过对DOC与DON浓度比值的分析,发现用判断颗粒有机碳(POC)来源的方法可以分析DOC的来源。     

不同近地表土壤水文条件下雨滴打击对黑土坡面养分流失的影响

目前,土壤水分饱和和壤中流条件下,雨滴打击对养分流失的影响尚不清楚.通过3个近地表土壤水文条件(自由入渗、土壤水分饱和与壤中流)下,土槽上方架设与不架设尼龙纱网模拟降雨对比试验,研究雨滴打击对黑土坡面侵蚀过程及NO3-N、NH4-N与PO4-P随径流和侵蚀泥沙迁移的影响.结果表明,纱网覆盖消除雨滴打击后坡面侵蚀量和泥沙浓度分别减少59.4％-71.6％和57.3％ -73.0％,不同水文条件下减少量的排序为:自由入渗＞壤中流＞土壤水分饱和.消除雨滴打击后养分随径流流失的减少仅在自由入渗条件下体现较明显,该水文条件下NO3-N、NH4-N与PO4-P流失分别减少33.3％、23.1％和40.7％;3种水文条件下,消除雨滴打击均明显减少养分随泥沙的流失,其中自由人渗条件下减少效果最明显,该水文条件下,NO3-N和NH4-N流失分别减少20.9％ -54.9％和25.0％ -62.3％,而PO4-P流失减少在74.6％以上.雨滴打击增大了NO3-N的淋失,但对NH4-N与PO4-P的淋失几乎无影响.消除雨滴打击后,自由人渗条件下养分的等效径流迁移深度减少26.7％-42.6％,而土壤水分饱和与壤中流条件下基本无变化.以上研究结果为有效防治坡面土壤侵蚀和农业非点源污染提供科学理论依据,尤其是在壤中流出现的地方.     

Using a nitrogen and oxygen isotopic approach to identify nitrate sources and cycling in the Wei River of northwestern China

The Wei River is the largest tributary of the Yellow River in China. To understand the sources and cycling of nitrate in the Wei River, we determined the concentrations and nitrogen and oxygen isotopic values of nitrate from water samples. Our results revealed that NO₃^?-N dominated the inorganic N and ranged from 0.1 to 8.8 mg/L (averaging 3.3 mg/L). Although this NO₃^?-N concentration does not exceed the World Health Organization's drinking water standard of 10 mg/L, the NO₃^?-N content of most water samples exceeded 3 mg/L, indicating poor water quality. The NO₃^?-N concentrations and δ¹⁵N-NO₃^? values demonstrate that there are significant differences in the spatial distribution of nitrogen between the tributaries and the main stream of the Wei River. In addition, a negative linear relationship (r² = 0.63) between NO₃^?-N concentrations and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^? values suggests mixing between two distinct sources (fertilizer and manure or sewage). Furthermore, we infer that the main source of nitrate is not manure or sewage itself, but rather the nitrification of NH₄⁺ in manure and sewage. Finally, no obvious denitrification processes were observed. These results expand our understanding of sewage as a major source of nitrate to the Wei River, emphasizing the role of nitrification.     

FACTORS REGULATING THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE FILAMENTOUS ALGA PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN AN INDIANA LAKE1

Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittr. biomass in Surrey Lake, Indiana was greater in the littoral than in the pelagial region. Although mean soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations did not differ between the two areas, nitrate concentrations were almost six times higher in the cove than in the open water. Using laboratory cultures of Pithophora, the half saturation constant (K_s at 20° C relating filament growth to external concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen was determined to be 1.23 mg L^?1 (=88 μM)and for phosphate-phosphorus, 0.1 mg L^?1 (=3.22 μM). These values were used to calculate a NO₃-N/PO₄-P atomic ratio of 27.6. Comparison of this value with NO₃-N/PO₄-P ratios in Surrey Lake showed that nitrogen limiting conditions were prevalent in the open water section of the lake. Alkaline phosphatase and dark ammonia uptake analyses on field collected filaments from the shallow and deep water sections confirmed the hypothesis that nitrate is the major factor limiting growth of Pithophora in Surrey Lake.     

胶州湾夏秋季大气湿沉降中的营养盐及其入海的生态效应

为揭示大气湿沉降对胶州湾营养盐的输送通量及其生态效应,分别于2015年6—8月(夏季)、9—11月(秋季)采集胶州湾降水样品,测定了降水中不同形态N、P、Si的浓度。结果表明,降水中不同形态营养盐的浓度变化较大,且均与降水量呈负相关关系,其中NH4-N和NO3-N的浓度较高,溶解有机氮(DON)占溶解态总氮(DTN)含量的25.9%,而NO_2-N,PO_4-P和SiO_3-Si的浓度均很低。溶解无机氮(DIN)、DON、PO_4-P以及SiO_3-Si的湿沉降通量分别为141.7、61.87、0.35 mmol m~(-2)a~(-1)和0.12 mmol m~(-2)a~(-1)。受降水量和营养物质来源制约,各项营养盐湿沉降通量时间变化显著。农业活动导致的无机氮排放构成了胶州湾湿沉降DIN的主要来源。大气湿沉降DIN、DON、PO_4-P和SiO_3-Si分别占胶州湾总输入负荷的9.04%、10.24%、0.57%和0.17%,湿沉降输入的PO_4-P在夏、秋季分别可以支持0.575 mgC m~2d~(-1)和1.42 mg C m~2d~(-1)的新生产力;雨水中DIN/P比值高达1 617,突发性强降雨带来的营养盐输入会加剧表层水体的P限制和Si限制,对胶州湾浮游植物群落结构和粒级结构产生重要影响。大气湿沉降是胶州湾生源要素生物地球化学过程的重要一环,对营养物质收支的贡献及可能引发的生态效应不容忽视。     

Evaluation of leaf analysis as a guide to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Summary Recently matured leaf samples were collected, at 45, 60 and 75 days after planting, from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants of cultivar Kufri sindhuri grown with varying levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha) and phosphorus (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg P₂O₅/ha) on loam soil at Pantnagar. They were separated into petiole, midrib and leaf-lets and analysed for NO₃-N content. Petiole samples were also analysed for PO₄-P content. Nitrogen application increased the NO₃-N content of all the leaf components. P application increased the PO₄-P content in petiole. NO₃-N content and PO₄-P content in leaf tissues were positively correlated with final tuber yield. The association of NO₃-N content of petiole with the final tuber yield was very consistant. Hence this proved to be the best indicator tissue for reflecting the nitrogen status of the plant, particularly at 45 days after planting. NO₃-N content of midrib, at this stage, was also a good indication of nitrogen nutrition status of the plant. PO₄-P content of petiole at 45 days after planting was a good indication of nutritional status of plant with respect to phosphorus. The critical concentration of NO₃-N in petioles of 45 days old plants was in the range of 9100–9600 ppm. The corresponding range for midrib was 3000 to 3900 ppm. The critical concentration of PO₄-P for petioles of 45 days old plants was 2250 ppm.Publication No 796 under journal series of the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Experiment Station, Pantnagar.Junior Agronomist, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-6, India.Junior Agronomist, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-6, India.     

Spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton communities along a regulated river system, the Nakdong River, Korea

The longitudinal distribution and seasonal fluctuation of phytoplankton communities was studied along the middle to lower part of a regulated river system (Nakdong River, Korea). Phytoplankton biomass decreased sharply in the middle part of the river (182 km upward the estuary dam), and then increased downstream reaching a maximum at the last sampling station (27 km upward the estuary dam). In contrast, there was little downstream fluctuation in species composition, irrespective of pronounced differences in nutrient concentrations (TN, TP, NO₃, NH₄, PO₄) as well as in algal biomass. In the main river channel, small centric diatoms (Stephanodiscus hantzschii, Cyclotella meneghiniana) and pennate diatoms (Synedra, Fragilaria, Nitzschia) were dominant from winter to early spring (November–April). A mixed community of cryptomonads, centric and pennate diatoms, and coenobial greens (Pediastrum, Scenedesmus) was dominant in late spring (May–June). Blue-green algae (Anabaena, Microcystis, Oscillatoria) were dominant in the summer (July–September). A mid-summer Microcystis bloom occurred at all study sites during the dry season, when discharge was low, though the nutrient concentration varied in each study site. Nutrients appeared everywhere to be in excess of algal requirement and apparently did not influence markedly the downstream and seasonal phytoplankton compositional differences in this river.     

Aquatic Ecosystem Response to Timber Harvesting for the Purpose of Restoring Aspen

The removal of conifers through commercial timber harvesting has been successful in restoring aspen, however many aspen stands are located near streams, and there are concerns about potential aquatic ecosystem impairment. We examined the effects of management-scale conifer removal from aspen stands located adjacent to streams on water quality, solar radiation, canopy cover, temperature, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and soil moisture. This 8-year study (2003–2010) involved two projects located in Lassen National Forest. The Pine-Bogard Project consisted of three treatments adjacent to Pine and Bogard Creeks: (i) Phase 1 in January 2004, (ii) Phase 2 in August 2005, and (iii) Phase 3 in January 2008. The Bailey Project consisted of one treatment adjacent to Bailey Creek in September 2006. Treatments involved whole tree removal using track-laying harvesters and rubber tire skidders. More than 80% of all samples analyzed for NO₃-N, NH₄-N, and PO₄-P at Pine, Bogard, and Bailey Creeks were below the detection limit, with the exception of naturally elevated PO₄-P in Bogard Creek. All nutrient concentrations (NO₃-N, NH₄-N, PO₄-P, K, and SO₄-S) showed little variation within streams and across years. Turbidity and TSS exhibited annual variation, but there was no significant increase in the difference between upstream and downstream turbidity and TSS levels. There was a significant decrease in stream canopy cover and increase in the potential fraction of solar radiation reaching the streams in response to the Pine-Bogard Phase 3 and Bailey treatments; however, there was no corresponding increase in stream temperatures. Macroinvertebrate metrics indicated healthy aquatic ecosystem conditions throughout the course of the study. Lastly, the removal of vegetation significantly increased soil moisture in treated stands relative to untreated stands. These results indicate that, with careful planning and implementation of site-specific best management practices, conifer removal to restore aspen stands can be conducted without degrading aquatic ecosystems.     

Performance of an ecological treatment system at three strengths of dairy wastewater loading

Ecological treatment systems, which rely on renewable resources, have successfully treated municipal and industrial effluents with reduced costs compared to conventional methods, but their capacity to treat dairy wastewater is unknown. In order for ecological treatment systems to be practical for agriculture they must be able to treat a significant portion of a dairy's daily wastewater production. In this study, the impact of three strengths of dairy wastewater on effluent water quality was assessed. Three ratios of wastewater and city water—(1) one part wastewater:three parts city water, (2) one part wastewater:one part city water, and (3) two parts wastewater:one part city water—were each pumped into an ecological treatment system. Influent and effluent water samples were analyzed for PO₄-P, TP, TN, NH₄-N, NO₃-N, total suspended solids (TSS), and carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD₅). Influent dairy wastewater volumetric loading rates were much greater than those of municipal wastewater. Regardless of influent wastewater strength, concentrations of all measured variables were significantly reduced between the influent and effluent of the ecological treatment system. At the lowest wastewater strength, PO₄-P was reduced 39%, TN 83%, and NH₄-N 89%, while at the highest wastewater strength, PO₄-P was reduced 41%, TN 79%, and NH₄-N 70%. Increased wastewater strength required greater aerobic treatment volume to reduce concentrations of NH₄-N and CBOD₅.     

洱海入湖河流弥苴河下游氮磷季节性变化特征及主要影响因素

入湖河流携带污染物对洱海水环境的影响日益明显,对洱海入湖水量最大的河流——弥苴河下游水体氮磷进行了连续采样分析,以期为河口湿地建设和水质改善提供基础数据.结果表明:1)弥苴河水质介于地表水Ⅲ-Ⅴ类之间,主要污染物为氮和磷,其中总氮平均浓度为1.17 mg/L,最高浓度达到2.00 mg/L;总磷平均浓度为0.06 mg/L;2)弥苴河下游总氮、总磷浓度丰水期高于枯水期,并呈现出季节性变化规律;3)弥苴河下游水体总氮、总磷年均浓度远高于洱海水体总氮、总磷年均浓度,其中总氮高出2.10倍,总磷高出2.90倍;4)弥苴河下游河段非点源污染占据主导地位.     

Increased nutrient loads from the Changjiang (Yangtze) River have led to increased Harmful Algal Blooms

Based on observations collected during 15 cruises from 2002 to 2007 and on historical data, annual and seasonal variations in dissolved inorganic nutrients in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary and the adjacent area were investigated. The importance of nutrients and nutrient fluxes to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the East China Sea (ECS) was also studied. The results showed an increasing trend in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) over the past fifty years. The changes in the PO₄-P concentration fluctuated from 1959 to 2000, but the level has been almost stable since then. By contrast, the SiO₃-Si concentrations decreased significantly over the past fifty years. Regarding seasonal variations, nutrients usually exhibited high values during autumn and winter, and the lowest values occurred in mid-summer. A strong positive relationship was observed between the DIN and PO₄-P concentrations and the frequency or scale of HABs, indicating that eutrophication played a crucial role in the occurrence of HABs. As for nutrient fluxes, DIN and PO₄-P fluxes have climbed sharply since 1980. In the ECS, the DIN increased sharply, but PO₄-P concentrations only changed slightly. The increased nutrient discharges, especially DIN, could also have caused the strong increase in the frequency and area of HABs. The areas of hypoxic bottom water off the Changjiang River estuary presented an increasing trend over the past fifty years, which may also be attributable to eutrophication. Changes in the nutrient composition were also investigated in the present study. The N/P ratio increased dramatically over the past fifty years, while the Si/N ratio decreased. The percentage of diatoms decreased from 99% to 73%, while dinoflagellates increased from less than 1% to over 25% during the past fifty years. Therefore, long-term changes in nutrients, especially excess DIN and increasing N/P, could be responsible for the shift in the phytoplankton community structure.