Coupled uptake dynamics of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus in a moderately nutrient-polluted stream

Abstract

Although research on nutrient uptake in small streams has been extensive over the past 20 years, much less is known about coupled nutrient uptake, especially in a moderately nutrient-polluted stream. So, we selected a moderately nutrient-polluted stream (Zhangwa Creek) in Chaohu Lake basin, China, to examine the dynamics of coupled dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, herein, ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) plus nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N)) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) uptake by performing a range of single- and dual-nutrient instantaneous additions experiments. The whole-reach uptake rate and saturation kinetics of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) individually were estimated following the tracer additions for spiraling curve characterization (TASCC) model, and the dynamics of coupled DIN and SRP uptake in dual-nutrient additions were characterized through the response surface model. Comparisons of the ambient uptake length in single additions between DIN and SRP consistently indicated a slight P limitation. In contrast, results from response surfaces showed that the stream was likely limited by N or P or co-limited by them. Our results revealed that DIN and SRP uptake coupling effects could occur in a moderately nutrient-polluted stream. Moreover, we found that water temperature and pH might be central environmental variables influencing DIN and SRP uptake in the stream.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

coupled uptake dynamics / nutrient uptake / TASCC / moderately nutrient-polluted stream

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