1501 / 2024-09-27 20:10:47
Influences of extreme rainfall events on the nutrient and chlorophyll-a dynamics in coastal regions
Extreme rainfall events; Nutrients; Chlorophyll-a; Coastal ecosystems; Climate change;
Session 13 - Coastal Environmental Ecology under anthropogenic activities and natural changes
Abstract Accepted
Extreme precipitation events are considered to be meteorological hazards characterized by daily rainfall that exceeds 50mm. These events have the potential to result in flash floods, surges in river levels, and runoff on highways, hence impacting the marine environment and even the local economy in both physical and biochemical aspects. Physically, these events may have an impact on characteristics including stratification, turbidity, salinity, and residence time. Biochemically, intense rainfall can introduce large amounts of freshwater, organic matter, nutrients, pollutants, and herbicides into aquatic systems. The variability in phytoplankton reaction to precipitation is dependent upon both the seasons and geographical locations. In summer, phytoplankton responds more positively to increased precipitation than winter. Coastal environments, such as estuaries, bays, and lagoons, exhibit heightened susceptibility to the impacts of intense precipitation events, leading to disturbances in both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. These ecosystems are widely recognized as hotspots and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change. There exists a strong correlation between climate change and increased precipitation, since scientific prediction indicates that the frequency, intensity, and volume of global mean precipitation are expected to rise in response to future warming. It is anticipated that forthcoming instances of intense precipitation would further contribute to the deterioration of water quality in various areas, leading to an increase in the frequency or intensity of algal blooms and the occurrence of hypoxic conditions. Conducting research on the impacts of intense precipitation events on coastal ecosystems and creating projections for the future can contribute to the establishment of ecologically informed conservation policies and strategies. This knowledge could help in mitigating the adverse consequences of such events and promoting sustainable human societal development.