Trophic dynamics (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen-DIN and Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus-DIP) in tropical urban estuarine systems during periods of high and low river discharge rates

Abstract: This paper focused on the use of the biogeochemical LOICZ (Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone) to investigate the dynamics of DIN and DIP nutrients among three highly urbanized tropical estuaries (Barra das Jangadas (BJ), Recife (RE) and Timbó (TB)), located in the northeastern region of Brazil. The input data were obtained through in situ measurements (2007) and governmental agency databases (2001-2007). The balances of the non-conservative elements showed that the RE and TB systems alternated between sources and sinks during the observation periods (0.2-0.8 mmoles DIP m-2...