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Spatial Distribution of Nutrient Limitation in the Danube River Floodplain in Relation to Hydrological Connectivity

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Abstract

In this paper, we describe the influence of flooding on nutrient conditions and phytoplankton Chl-a concentrations in a hydrologically dynamic Danube floodplain in North–Eastern Croatia. Based on hydrological typology, the connectivity gradient extends from the main river stream (Eupotamal) to the backwater channels and side-arms (Parapotamal) to the edge of the floodplain (Paleopotamal). A spatial gradient of phytoplankton Chl-a occurred during low water levels, while uniformity of Chl-a across wetland habitats was observed during high water levels. Nutrient enrichment assays indicated that inorganic nutrients in Eupotamal waters (N/P ratio 16–22) could support a higher growth rate of the assay alga Chlorella kessleri, while potential N limitation was found in Parapotamal and Paleopotamal waters (both with N/P ratios < 14). Spatial expansion of N limitation toward the main river was observed as inundation continued. Lateral flood pulse connectivity along with the duration of inundation period affects the input and the retention of nutrients, especially of nitrogen. Understanding of the relationship between spatial (location of the floodplain waterbodies regarding the river) and temporal (hydrological connectivity between the river and its floodplain) dimensions contribute to the importance of healthy floodplains for the maintenance of water quality and environmental conditions in the Danube River.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the technical staff at the Nature Park Kopački Rit in Osijek for their assistance with the field surveys. We thank Jadranka Zlomislić (Professor of English Language, Faculty of Philosophy in Osijek) for help with a language check what improved the clarity of our presentation, and two anonymous reviewers for their careful read and thoughtful comments which improved this paper. This research was supported in part by the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports (Project number 0122023).

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  1. Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Ljudevita Gaja 6, 31000, Osijek, Croatia

    Vesna Peršić & Janja Horvatić

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  1. Vesna Peršić
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  2. Janja Horvatić
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Correspondence to Vesna Peršić.

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Peršić, V., Horvatić, J. Spatial Distribution of Nutrient Limitation in the Danube River Floodplain in Relation to Hydrological Connectivity. Wetlands 31, 933–944 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-011-0208-1

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