| one publication added to basket [225001] | The anthropogenically induced changes in groundwater outflow and quality, and the functioning of Eastern African nearshore ecosystems (GROFLO): final report part 1: final summary report
(1994-1998). The anthropogenically induced changes in groundwater outflow and quality, and the functioning of Eastern African nearshore ecosystems (GROFLO): final report part 1: final summary report. Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology: Yerseke. 37 pp.
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| Keyword |
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| Author keywords |
groundwater, coastal lagoons, ecosystem functions, anthropogenic inputs |
| Abstract |
Here, the final summary report of the GROFLO project is described; Objectives of the project:Not only in riverine areas, but everywhere along the coast a dynamic balance exists between the seaward outflow of groundwater and salt water intrusion into coastal freshwater aquifers. Groundwater is a resource of enormous significance. In the Eastern African coastal zone, withdrawal of groundwater occurs in many places to supply an increasing number of beach hotels and settlements of the local population. Concomitant with a decrease in groundwater levels, due to withdrawal, it is also likely that these waters exhibit elevated nutrient and pollutant concentrations. This is largely due to poor soil conservation and agricultural practices as well as inappropriate disposal of effluents into pits or sink holes. Despite this increasing anthropogenic pressure on groundwater reservoirs, little information exists regarding the importance of groundwater for ecological processes and structures in the near shore environment. However, it can be expected that the diffuse groundwater outflow in non-riverine coastal areas will potentially affect near shore marine ecosystems by (1) moderating saline conditions; (2) by delivering nutrients such as N,P, Si used by primary producers; (3) by delivering pollutants. The key objective of the GROFLO project is: To assess the significance of changing inputs of groundwater - and the anthropogenic substances it contains - for Eastern African near shore ecosystems To meet the general objective of the project, three more specific objectives were pursued: (1) To construct a model of groundwater flow along the Eastern African coast. (2) To elucidate differences in nearshore community structures and ecosystem functions in relation to groundwater outflow. (3) To elucidate the importance of groundwater as a vector of anthropogenic inputs into the coastal zone. |
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