Anthropogenic regulation of the phosphorus balance in the Thau catchment-coastal lagoon system (Mediterraean Sea, France) over 24 years.
In the Thau lagoon, despite there being no phosphate limitation policy, the annual mean phosphate concentrations decreased by 90% between 1971 and 1994. The present study indicates a relationship between the decrease of phosphate concentrations and changes in urban, industrial and agricultural activities within the catchment generating phosphorus (P) inputs; and shellfish farming leading to phosphorus storage and export. The relationship (tonnes of P) is: P-PO(4)(3-) in the lagoon waters=1.0124 anthropogenic phosphorus balance--47.62 (r(2) = 0.824, p < 0.000). As population growth is expected in coastal zones, sustainable development requires the need for addressing the role played by human activities and the multi-scale regulation of them. As an element of integrated coastal zone management, the present study provides a regional scale analysis of these aspects.
La Jeunesse
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I
Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. isabelle.lajeunesse@univ-angers.fr
Elliott
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M
D016573:Agrochemicals / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry*; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005068:Eutrophication; D005602:France; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D010125:Ostreidae / Q000737:chemistry*; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D016573:Agrochemicals; D010710:Phosphates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical