Author(s)

S. Neumann-Leitão, R. Schwamborn, S.J. Macêdo, C. Medeiros, M.L. Koening, M.J.F. Montes, F.A.N. Feitosa & L.M.O. Gusmão

Abstract

Plankton dynamics at Itamaraca mangrove estuarine system, Pernambuco, Brazil S. Neumann-Leitao, R. Schwamborn, S. J. Macedo, C. Medeiros, M. L. Koening, M. J. F. Montes, F. A. N. Feitosa & L. M. O. Gusmao Departament of Oceanography, Federal University ofPernambuco, Brazil. Abstract Plankton dynamics was studied at Itamaracd mangrove to assess the estuarine- coastal interactions. Sampling was carried out at the north and south connections with the Atlantic Ocean in 1994, and in two perpendicular profiles toward offshore, in March 1995. Water masses at Itamaraca had an average temperature of 28.6°C; salinities varied from 19.62 to 36.99 and dissolved oxygen was supersaturated at high tide and under 70% saturation at low tide. The Tropical Water Mass characterized the shelf area. High overall nutrient concentrations indicated a eutrophic estuarine area resulting in a high primary productivity (between 2 and 39mgC.h"\nT*) and high chlorophyll-a (mean: 12mg.nT*) abruptly decreasin

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