Variability of the dissolved nutrient (N, P, Si) concentrations in the Bay of Annaba in relation to the inputs of the Seybouse and Mafragh estuaries

Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), phosphate (PO4) and silicic acid (Si(OH)4) loads from the Seybouse and the Mafragh estuaries into the Bay of Annaba, Algeria, were assessed at three stations of the Bay over three years. The Seybouse inputs had high levels of DIN and PO4, in contrast to the Mafragh estuary’s near-pristine inputs; Si(OH)4 levels were low in both estuaries. The DIN:PO4 molar ratios were over 30 in most samples and the Si(OH)4:DIN ratio was less than 0.5 in the Seybouse waters, but nearly balanced in the Mafragh. The specific fluxes of Si–Si(OH)4 (400–540 kg Si km−2 yr−1) were comparable in the two catchments, but those of DIN were several-fold higher in the Seybouse (373 kg N km−2 yr−1). The inner Bay affected by the Seybouse inputs had high levels of all nutrients, while the Mafragh plume and the outer marine station were less enriched.