Resources

BIOGEST - Data on Biogas Transfer in Estuaries (Thames, Loire, Rhine, Gironde, Douro, Scheldt and Sado) (1996-1999)

Data set information

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General  
Data holding centreRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Belgian Marine Data Centre
CountryBelgium  Belgium
Time periodSeveral cruises of different estuaries were carried out between 1996 and 1999. The first cruise took place from 8 to 12 July 1996, the last cruise from 15th to 19th February 1999.
OngoingNo
Geographical area

The investigated estuaries for which data are held are : the Rhine(The Netherlands), the Thames (United Kingdom), the Scheldt (Belgium & the Netherlands), the Loire (France), the Gironde (France), the Douro (Portugal) and the Sado (Portugal).

Observations 
Parameters

Bacteria generic abundance in water bodies; Particulate total and organic carbon concentrations in the water column; Dissolved organic carbon concentration in the water column; Oxygen production and respiration in the water column; Sedimentation flux quantification in the water column; Particulate total and organic nitrogen concentrations in the water column; Concentration of other hydrocarbons in the water column; Partial pressure (pCO2) and fugacity (fCO2) of carbon dioxide in the water column; Salinity of the water column; Dissolved concentration parameters for other gases in the water column; Temperature of the water column; Alkalinity, acidity and pH of the water column; Gas fluxes between the water column and the atmosphere

Description 
Summary

The BIOGEST project determined the distribution in the surface water of European estuaries of biogases liable to have major environmental consequences: CO2, CH4, CO, non-methane hydrocarbons, N2O, NH3, DMS, COS, volatile halogenated organic compounds and biogenic volatile metals. Simultaneously to biogas distribution, related parameters and processes were studied which are linked to biogas distribution: nutrients, organic and inorganic carbon, oxygen, respiration, primary production, atmospheric and sediment exchanges. The estuaries investigated were the Elbe, the Ems, the Rhine, the Thames, the Scheldt, the Loire, the Gironde, the Douro and the Sado. Amongst these nine estuaries, the Rhine, the Scheldt and the Gironde were selected for intensive seasonal studies. Results obtained during this project served to develop a biogeochemical model used to i) propose an estimate of the present day biogas emission from European estuaries and, ii) predict future emission versus carbon and nitrogen loadings. This model provides a decision tool for environmental policy. Data on the estuary of the Elbe are held by the 'Institut fur Biogeochemie und Meereschemie' in Hamburg. Data on the Ems and the Rhine are held by NIOO in Yerseke (NL). First Scheldt cruise: 8 - 12 July 1996: 17 stations sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and CO carried out. Intercalibration exercises done for nutrients and organic carbon. First Gironde cruise: 23 - 30 October 1996: 19 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and CO carried out. Second Scheldt cruise: 9 - 13 December 1996: 15 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and CO carried out. Intercalibration exercises done for nutrients and organic carbon. Second Gironde cruise: 13 - 16 June 1997: 14 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and CO carried out. Third Gironde cruise: 1 - 5 September 1997: 15 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2 and CO2 were also carried out. Sado cruise: from 17 to 23 September 1997: 14 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2 and CO2 carried out. Douro cruise: 25 - 27 September 1997: 13 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2 and CO2 carried out. Third Rhine cruise: from 14 to 28 November 1997: 17 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and CO carried out. Fourth Gironde cruise: 1 - 8 February 1998: 17 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CH4 and CO2 carried out. Second Scheldt cruise: 25 - 29 May 1998: 15 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 32 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4 and CO carried out. Intercalibrations exercises were done for nutrients and organic carbon. Loire cruise: from 11 - 14 September 1998: 16 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 30 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4, and N2O carried out. Fourth Scheldt cruise: 5 - 9 October 1998: 15 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 32 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, CH4 and CO carried out. Intercalibrations exercises were done for nutrients and organic carbon. Second Thames cruise: 15 - 19 February 1999: 15 stations were sampled along the salinity gradient (from 34 to 0). Underway measurements of pH, O2, CO2, and CH4 carried out.

OriginatorsUniversity of Liège, Laboratory of Oceanology, Chemical Oceanography Unit
Availability 
OrganisationRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Belgian Marine Data Centre
AvailabilitySeaDataNet licence
ContactScory Serge (Ir)
Address

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Belgian Marine Data Centre
Vautierstraat 29
Brussels

1000
Belgium

Telephone02/773.21.11
Facsimile02/7706972
Emailbmdc@mumm.ac.be
Administration 
Collating centreBelgian Marine Data Centre (BMDC)
Local identifier11027001
Global identifier1049
Last revised2009-08-11