This paper describes a model of the diffusive boundary-layer around an aquatic macrophyte blade. Nutrient uptake at the base of the modelled boundary-layerwas examined using previously published laboratory data. The analysis showed that, over the outer velocity range 0.01–0.16 ms-1, nutrient uptake varied between that predicted by flatplate boundary-layer theory and that expected with no mean advection. A ratio of theoretical and actual nutrient uptake rates was defined as a means of categorising the transition between the two transportmodels. The modelling was extended to show how fluctuating boundary conditions may enhance nutrient uptake by the macrophyte; the scenario examined here suggested that at otherwise low outer velocities, periodic stripping of the boundary-layer by passing waves increased nutrient uptake by a factor of 10.
History
Publication title
Hydrobiologia
Volume
346
Issue
1-3
Pagination
119-128
ISSN
0018-8158
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Kluwer Academic Publ
Place of publication
Van Godewijckstraat 30, Dordrecht, Netherlands, 3311 Gz