Dynamics and distribution of microphytobenthic chlorophyll-a in the Western Scheldt estuary (SW Netherlands)

Microphytobenthos in the Westerschelde estuary, The Netherlands, was studied with respect to the annual cycle of benthic chlorophyll-a in the top 1 cm of sediment and benthic primary production. Possible relationships between chlorophyll-a and some abiotic factors were also investigated. Microphytobenthic chlorophyll-a showed a major peak in early summer and a smaller peak in autumn. The mean chlorophyll-a concentration of 113 mg per m2 in the upper cm was similar to that in other estuaries. The average annual primary production was estimated at 136 g carbon per m2.year. Differences among stations were related to the interaction between station elevation and sediment clay content. There are 31 references.