Extreme guanotrophication by phosphorus in contradiction with the productivity of alkaline soda pan ecosystems

Waterbirds as nutrient vectors can cause high phosphorus loading in shallow inland aquatic ecosystems. The main goal of this study was to determine the causal relationships between characteristic physico-chemical properties intermittent (temporary) alkaline soda pan (playa) ecosystems and specific (surface volume-related) P waterbirds by situ field investigation, estimation well laboratory experiments using standard methods. In addition, our aim estimate contribution groundwater precipitation total pool pans Hungary. estimated external (mean: 185 mg P/m2/y, 3.32 P/L/year) explain majority hypertrophic TP 5.17 mg/L, 64%) pans, which is mediated large-bodied herbivorous (e.g. geese ducks) medium-bodied omnivorous gulls) waterbirds, who are important importers major source. results also confirm hypothesis that (3%) (5%) together account for a smaller (8% study) while (64% much higher (64–100%). study, remaining part (maximum 28%) be explained internal sources. Soda characterized physical chemical characteristics coupled with densities biotic mediators sources, maintenance concentrations P-forms. extreme guanotrophication causing state contradiction limited primary production natural pans. This unique phenomenon multiple impact prevailing drivers (intermittent hydrological cycle, water depth, turbidity, salinity, alkalinity) cycle these