The influence of mouth status on pH variability in small temporarily closed estuaries

摘要: Abstract Land-based nutrient enrichment of estuarine waters is emerging as a major factor influencing pH and has been referred to “the other eutrophication problem”. Small temporarily closed estuaries with high residence times are likely be especially prone these impacts. This study investigated changes in during the open phases four small KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The relationship between mouth state was each estuary (6–16 surveys), based on conceptual relationships derived from literature. results indicated that highly variable influenced by morphology condition. In non-perched system, physical mixing due strong tidal fluctuations when open; however, perched situ biological processes were more important. all phase, either primary production and/or remineralisation emerged dominant attributed longer times. Thus trends evident (i.e. or closed) degree which systems perched, further research needed understand complexity variability including impact mitigation anthropogenic change.