Acronyms

Access

Logo

Contact

Project Leader	Dr. J. RATNASIRI Chairman of the IGBP National Committee c/o Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science 120/10 Vidya Mawata, Colombo 07 SRI LANKA Tel: +94-1-863-597 (home), +94-1-464-473 (office) Fax: +94-1-691-681 Email: aiacc@sltnet.lk (office), janakar@itmin.com (personal)
Funding	US$ 63,000
Participating countries	Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with collaboration from Australia and USA.

Brief introduction and background
The current study is an extension of the previous year's study undertaken to assess the Nutrient, Sediment and Carbon Fluxes to the Coastal Zone in South Asia (APN 2001-20), which was necessary for the understanding of global biogeochemical cycles and the impacts of global change in coastal zones including human activities. The extended study had the following primary objectives:

• Expand the network of scientists and institutions engaged in research and policy analysis related to fluxes of material to the coastal zone, which was initially established in year one;
• Synthesis of existing information related to material fluxes, their origins and impacts on the critical functions of the coastal systems within each country;
• Extend gap-filling studies identified during the first year and undertake other regional studies to address these needs; and
• Hold a regional workshop to present the findings of the project, review and improve the nutrient budgets worked out for different estuarine systems, and plan future activities.

• Network and Synthesis: Each country in the region expanded its network and synthesised the available data on nutrient, sediment and carbon levels and fluxes, which were presented in the respective country reports at the Regional Workshop.
• Gap-Filling Studies:
  • Bangladesh: The study of water, nutrient and salt transport through the lower Meghna estuary, a combined flow of the Ganges and Brahmaputra and many other rivers, was continued in 2002. In another study carried out on Karnaphuli River, the levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorous species of nutrients in the lower reaches of the river were determined.
  • India: Data from several estuaries including Periyar, Muvattupuza, Narmada, Tapi, Mandovi, Zuari, Mahanadi and the Ganga Basin were compiled and nutrient data were analysed to evaluate their fluxes to the coastal zone. Out of these, the biogeochemical budgets for the Tapi Estuary were determined.
  • Nepal: A statistical modelling approach was adopted to study sediment fluxes to the coastal zone in South Asia for areas lacking sediment transport information. The analyses were carried out using a linear model with linear and logarithmic scales. Several studies showed that human activities could be related to sediment movement at micro-catchments.
  • Pakistan: An intensive study concentrated on the Khobar Creek, comprising current metering, echo-sounding, and water and sediment sampling, was undertaken downstream of Kotri Barrage to Khobar Creek to quantify sediment and biogeochemical budgets. Sampling of water and sediment was also carried out from all the barrages and head works on the Indus River.
  • Sri Lanka: The Fertilizer Runoff study carried out in Maha Oya catchment, involving the measurement of NO3-N, NH3-N and PO4-P as well as some measurements of total-N and total-P, hydrology and information on fertilizer application, was continued. The biogeochemical budget calculation was carried out on Lunawa Lagoon. A new gap-filing study was undertaken in the environments of Mundal Lake in the North Western coast.
• Regional Workshop: A 3-day Regional Workshop on "Assessment of Material Fluxes to Coastal Zone in South Asia and their Impacts" was held from 9-11 December 2002, in Negombo, Sri Lanka. A total of 48 persons, consisting of 4 overseas resource persons, 2 national resource persons, 2 representatives of SASCOM and APN, 17 overseas participants, 15 national participants and 8 observers attended. Papers presented will be posted on the project website <http://www.coastal-fluxes.slt.lk/>.

  Outcomes and products

• An improved network of researchers and institutions involved in studies related to the sources, quantification and impacts of nutrient and sediment fluxes supported by a dedicated website;
• A compilation of existing studies and data on nutrient and sediment fluxes to the coastal zones in the South Asian region;
• Nutrient budgets determined using LOICZ methodologies for selected estuaries;
• Papers giving the results of gap-filling studies carried out by participating researchers; and
• A publication giving the proceedings of the regional workshop held from 9-11 December, 2002.

• Synthesis of existing information on nutrient and sediment fluxes with linkages to socio-economic conditions and policies and to build a regional model for South Asia;
• Capacity building of participating scientists through study visits to collaborating institutions in Australia/USA and field sites in other participating countries; and
• Prepare a set of detailed recommendations for policy makers and formulate proposals for further studies.