Real-Time monitoring of the eutrophication and hypoxia off the Changjiang Estuary

Jian-fang Chen, Second Institute of Oceanography State Oceanic Administration, China
Abstract:
Inputs of anthropogenic nutrients and carbon dioxide-rich waters to the coastal waters can not only lead to eutrophication in the surface water and hypoxia in the bottom water, but also will enhance acidification of coastal water. In order to understand the details mechanism of concurrence of eutrophication and hypoxia in the Changjiang Estuary, a real time monitoring system has been established since 2010 under the support of Chinese National Key Technologies R&D Program and Chinese Marine Research Special Funds for Public Welfare Projects. The platforms of the monitoring system includes a 3-meter buoy with water column chain unit and a seabed mounted unit, the sensors includes those can detect wind speed and direction, air and water temperature, salinity, currents, PAR, DO, pH, nutrients, Chl a, turbidity and pCO2 etc.. Two highlights of our scientific findings will introduced in this presentation, one is how typhoon affected the coastal hypoxia (positive and negative), and the other is how fresh water input induced a algal bloom in the Changjiang Estuary in summer.