Het Schelde-estuarium als filter: een bioreactor van stofstromen

The Scheldt estuary is exposed to large loads of carbon and nutrients. This leads to a eutrophication problem characterized by reduced oxygen concentrations and a huge efflux of CO₂. In the coastal waters a degradation of the foodchain is noted caused by excessive nutrient supply. The capacity of the estuary to polish the water is important but can not cope with the vast scale of the immissions. Restoration and development of tidal wetlands can contribute in several ways to restore the water quality. Increase of water treatment is expected to have positive ecological results. Nevertheless, restoration of the oxygen conditions might counteract some purifying processes.