CONFERENCELong-term variability of silicon fluxes in Latvian rivers
Dmitrijs Porsnovs
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Science
Maris Klavins
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Science
Valery Rodionovs
University of Latvia, Institute of Biology
DOI: 10.22364/fg.15.6
Key words: silicon, plant nutrients, Latvia, river basins
Abstract
Studies of long term changes in aquatic chemistry composition are of importance to understanding the impacts of global climate change and human impacts. Dissolved silica is an important nutrient (primarily for siliceous phytoplankton, the diatoms, but also for macrophytes) in freshwater and marine ecosystems. The objective of the present study is to examine long-term changes in dissolved silica concentrations in surface waters of Latvia. Significant changes in silica concentrations in inland waters of Latvia were found. Results indicate possible impacts of weathering processes in combination with changes of human loading.