title: Contribution of Spartina maritima to the reduction of eutrophication in estuarine systems.
abstract: Salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, performing important ecosystem functions, particularly nutrient recycling. In this study, a comparison is made between Mondego and Tagus estuaries in relation to the role of Spartina maritima in nitrogen retention capacity and cycling. Two mono-specific S. maritima stands per estuary were studied during 1yr (biomass, nitrogen (N) pools, litter production, decomposition rates). Results showed that the oldest Tagus salt marsh population presented higher annual belowground biomass and N productions, and a slower decomposition rate for litter, contributing to the higher N accumulation in the sediment, whereas S. maritima younger marshes had higher aboveground biomass production. Detritus moved by tides represented a huge amount of aboveground production, probably significant when considering the N balance of these salt marshes. Results reinforce the functions of salt marshes as contributing to a reduction of eutrophication in transitional waters, namely through sedimentation processes.
authors.affiliation: IO-Institute of Oceanography, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal. aisousa@fc.ul.pt
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Lillebø
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Caçador
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pardal
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005068:Eutrophication / Q000502:physiology*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D011174:Portugal; D045483:Rivers; D012623:Seawater; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*; D053833:Wetlands
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D009584:Nitrogen