NUTRIENT RETENTION IN THE BIOREMEDIATION ZONE OF A SANDY BEACH

ABSTRACT A tracer study was conducted on a low-energy beach in Delaware Bay to determine how the nutrient washout rate is affected by the tidal cycle. When tracer was applied during spring tide, it was reduced to background levels following a single high tide; but when it was applied during neap tide, tracer persisted in the bioremediation zone for a much longer time. The washout rate was found to be related to the extent of water coverage during high tide.