Northern Nordic river mouth N:P:Si stoichiometry shows limited evidence of Si depletion

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Authors: Martyn Norman Futter, Katri Rankinen, Joachim Audet, Heleen A. de Wit, Csilla Farkas, Martin Forsius, Jens Fölster, Anastasija Isidorova, Øyvind Kaste, Dominika Krzeminska, Katarina Kyllmar, Emma E. Lannergård
+4 more James Edward Sample, Eva Skarbøvik, Lars Sonesten, Brian Kronvang
Cited by: 1
References: 44

Abstract

River mouth nitrogen: phosphorus: silicon (N:P:Si) stoichiometry can predict marine eutrophication potential. Furthermore, deviations from Redfield molar N: P:Si = 16:1:20 ratios can offer insight into limiting nutrients and risks for harmful algal blooms (HAB). Here, we present N:P:Si stoichiometry based on total P, dissolved inorganic N and dissolved Si for 88 coastal river mouths in Norway, Sweden and Finland between 2017 and 2024. Rivers ranged from ultra-oligotrophic to hyper-eutrophic. N and P concentrations increased from north to south, with no latitudinal Si gradient. Most rivers were either P or jointly NP depleted relative to Si, with no overall evidence of Si depletion. However, there was some evidence of seasonal Si depletion. We show how using multi-element approaches, e.g., the Index of Coastal Eutrophication Potential (ICEP) can help to guide management actions. Specifically, Using Si depletion relative to N and P concentrations as an indicator of HAB potential may offer a means to identify catchments where nutrient load reductions can have the largest benefit on marine ecosystem health. Such multi-element approaches can complement single nutrient assessments based on, e.g., the Carlson Trophic Status Index or Water Framework Directive status class assessments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Marine and coastal ecosystems Silicon Effects in Agriculture Diatoms and Algae Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
884–884
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN