Growth characteristics of a restored Zostera marina population in the Shandong Peninsula, China: A case study

摘要

A restored Zostera marina population was established at Xiaoheishan Island in 2013 using seeds transplanted from a natural population in Lidao Bay (Shandong Provence, Northern China). To determine the factors influencing restoration outcomes and to evaluate restoration efficacy, growth characteristics of both natural and restored populations were monitored, and water column and sediment chemical parameters were examined by field investigation during 2014-2016. In addition, shoot density biomass were assessed alongside environmental variable measurements. The results showed that there were no significant differences in chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, or NH4+, NO2-, and NO3- concentrations among sampling times, and there were no distinct seasonal trends. Mean (and range) heavy metal, sulfide, and total petroleum sediment concentrations were similar, and shoot height exhibited significant seasonal variations at both sites. Leaf N and P content, and N/P ratio were significantly varied among sampling times and between sites, respectively. In Lidao Bay, shoot density was significantly correlated with Cu2+ sediment concentration, whereas N/P ratio and root: shoot ratio were significantly correlated with As2+. At Xiaoheishan Island, shoot density and root: shoot ratio were significantly correlated with water column total petroleum and NH4+, respectively. This indicates that the restored population was similar to the natural population with regards to growth characteristics but differences between chemical parameters in the water column and sediment may affect longer term growth and restoration outcomes.