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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
A Novel Control Volume Methodology to Constrain Ecosystem Nutrient Cycling Within a Tidal Freshwater River
Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.320, pp.1-11
15/08/2025
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Abstract
Tidal freshwater systems are dynamic biogeochemical hotspots that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and the attenuation of catchment derived material. Traditional biogeochemical analysis typically relies on estimation techniques such as interpolation, regression, and remote sensing based on limited data sets, which can result in significant uncertainties. This study applies a novel sampling approach to a tidal freshwater system located on the far northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia, to quantify nutrient fluxes within a “control volume” (CV) by combining high-resolution discrete time series and hydrodynamic measurements in combination with a traditional benthic flux methodology. The study found high NH4 consumption and high NOx production reflective of nitrification within the aerobic water column. The total oxygen demand within the control volume was very close to the aggregate of the sediment oxygen demand and nitrification oxygen demand, highlighting the importance of sediment biogeochemical processes within the TFZ. Control volume NOx consumption and P release were orders of magnitude larger than those obtained from traditional sediment core incubations, suggesting that NOx and P dynamics in the Richmond River TFZ are driven by processes other than sediment dynamics and/or sediment incubations underestimated in situ fluxes.
The novel control volume methodology offers a high-resolution sampling technique with fewer sampling artifacts and an enhanced understanding of biogeochemical trends over the tidal and diel cycles. By integrating biogeochemical measurements with hydrodynamic processes, this method effectively constrain nutrient cycling within a defined reach, providing detailed insights into nutrient processing during the measurement period.
Details
- Title
- A Novel Control Volume Methodology to Constrain Ecosystem Nutrient Cycling Within a Tidal Freshwater River
- Creators
- D.R. Mackenzie - Southern Cross UniversityD.R. Tait - Southern Cross UniversityJ. Sippo - Southern Cross UniversityA. Ferguson - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterRao S - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterC. Ralph - Southern Cross UniversityB. Stewart - Southern Cross UniversityM. Call - Southern Cross UniversityM. Reading - Southern Cross UniversityM. Andskog - Southern Cross University, Faculty of Science and EngineeringD. Laicher-Edwards - Southern Cross UniversityD.T. Maher - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.320, pp.1-11
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd; LONDON
- Grant note
- The study was made possible with funding provided by Sydney Water Corporation, and Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
- Identifiers
- 991013278307902368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Authors
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article