Stamati Fotini, Nikolaidis Nikolaos, Dimitriou Elias, Koussouris Theodore
Dep. of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece.
J Environ Qual. 2008 Jan 4;37(1):164-73. doi: 10.2134/jeq2007.0092. Print 2008 Jan-Feb.
The hydrologic and geochemical conditions that prevail in Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs), create a unique environment for many rare and endangered species. Mediterranean temporary ponds are habitats of high ecological value, which are vulnerable to imminent climatic changes, as well as to human activities. This article examines the hydrology and the nitrogen and phosphorous geochemical cycles of four MTPs in Crete. Field and laboratory studies provided the necessary information for the development of a conceptual understanding of the hydrologic and biogeochemical processes that affect the fate of nitrogen and phosphorous in these MTPs. Their hydrology was driven by deposition, infiltration, and evaporation. The hydroperiod of the ponds varied between 40 and 160 d. Mineralization and nutrient release capacity experiments illustrated the significant role that MTP sediments played in enhancing the geochemistry of the aqueous phase. Such ecosystem functions (i.e., mineralization, nutrient release) exhibited high variability among MTPs necessitating site-specific studies with immediate implications to management. It is very important to understand the local hydrogeochemical and climatic conditions to ensure appropriate environmental measures for their management and conservation.
地中海临时池塘（MTPs）中普遍存在的水文和地球化学条件，为许多珍稀濒危物种创造了独特的环境。地中海临时池塘是具有高生态价值的栖息地，易受即将到来的气候变化以及人类活动的影响。本文研究了克里特岛四个地中海临时池塘的水文以及氮和磷的地球化学循环。野外和实验室研究为深入理解影响这些地中海临时池塘中氮和磷归宿的水文和生物地球化学过程提供了必要信息。它们的水文受沉积、渗透和蒸发驱动。池塘的水周期在40至160天之间变化。矿化和养分释放能力实验表明，地中海临时池塘沉积物在增强水相地球化学方面发挥了重要作用。这些生态系统功能（即矿化、养分释放）在地中海临时池塘之间表现出高度变异性，因此需要针对特定地点进行研究，这对管理具有直接意义。了解当地水文地球化学和气候条件对于确保采取适当的环境措施进行管理和保护非常重要。
