Cite this paper:
WANG Wentao, YU Zhiming, SONG Xiuxian, WU Zaixing, YUAN Yongquan, ZHOU Peng, CAO Xihua. Characteristics of the δ15NNO3 distribution and its drivers in the Changjiang River estuary and adjacent waters[J]. Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, 2017, 35(2): 367-382

Characteristics of the δ15NNO3 distribution and its drivers in the Changjiang River estuary and adjacent waters
WANG Wentao1,2,3, YU Zhiming1,2, SONG Xiuxian1,2, WU Zaixing1,2, YUAN Yongquan1,2, ZHOU Peng1,2,3, CAO Xihua1,2
1 Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China;
2 Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Qingdao National laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China;
3 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Abstract:
In this study, we conducted investigations in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary and adjacent waters (CREAW) in June and November of 2014. We collected water samples from different depths to analyze the nitrogen isotopic compositions of nitrate, nutrient concentrations (including inorganic N, P, and Si), and other physical and biological parameters, along with the vertical distribution and seasonal variations of these parameters. The compositions of nitrogen isotope in nitrate were measured with the denitrifier method. Results show that the Changjiang River diluted water (CDW) was the main factor affecting the shallow waters (above 10 m) of the CREAW, and CDW tended to influence the northern areas in June and the southern areas in November. δ15NNO3 values in CDW ranged from 3.21‰-3.55‰. In contrast, the deep waters (below 30 m) were affected by the subsurface water of the Kuroshio Current, which intruded into the waters near 31°N in June. The δ15NNO3 values of these waters were 6.03‰-7.6‰, slightly higher than the values of the Kuroshio Current. Nitrate assimilation by phytoplankton in the shallow waters of the study area varied seasonally. Because of the favorable temperature and nutrient conditions in June, abundant phytoplankton growth resulted in harmful algae blooms (HABs). Therefore, nitrate assimilation was strong in June and weak in November. The δ15NNO3 fractionations caused by assimilation of phytoplankton were 4.57‰ and 4.41‰ in the shallow waters in June and November, respectively. These results are consistent with previous laboratory cultures and in situ investigations. Nitrification processes were observed in some deep waters of the study area, and they were more apparent in November than in June. The fractionation values of nitrification ranged from 24‰-25‰, which agrees with results for Nitrosospira tenuis reported by previous studies.
Key words:    Changjiang River estuary|nitrate|nitrogen isotope|assimilation|nitrification   
Received: 2015-10-06   Revised: 2015-12-02
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Articles by WANG Wentao
Articles by YU Zhiming
Articles by SONG Xiuxian
Articles by WU Zaixing
Articles by YUAN Yongquan
Articles by ZHOU Peng
Articles by CAO Xihua
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