Saltmarsh and Nutrient Transfer
What is the role of tidal marshes in the transfer of carbon and nitrogen from catchment to coastal waters?
In addition to their conservation and economic value, salt marshes have the capacity to store nutrients, pollutants, and large quantities of carbon which can contribute to ameliorating the effects of rising CO2, a major contributor to global warming. We work in collaboration with Bangor University to understand the role played by tidal marshes during the transfer of carbon and nitrogen from freshwater catchments to coastal waters. We aim to determine if estuarine marshes can efficiently remove and trap C and N from water originating from the surrounding watershed; and to what extent increased freshwater flows and N inputs through storms will affect the functioning of these estuarine marsh areas.
References
Dausse, A., Merot, P., Bouzille, J-B, Bonis, A. & Lefeuvre, J-C. 2005. Variability of nutrient and particulate matter fluxes between the sea and a polder after partial tidal restoration, North-western France. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 64, 295-306.
