There are several indications that the Iron Gate reservoirs, the biggest impoundments on the Danube River, are significant sinks for nutrients as well as pollutants. On one side this is a positive effect, as the reduction of phosphorous and nitrogen in the Danube River is welcomed and consistent with the Strategic Action Plan for the Danube River Basin developed under the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). However, on the other side, capturing silica may cause a decrease in the amount of dissolved silica reaching the Black Sea, changing the nutrient ratios and thus changing the entire foodweb.	Iron Gate I reservoir on Danube river
	Silica retention in lakes and reservoirs and its impact on the coastal seas has been the topic of an international meeting organised by SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment) and LOICZ (Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone, part of IGBP (International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme). It was highlighted that research on silica cycling is urgently needed, especially the understanding of the retention of silica. The result of this project will bring new insights in the silica retention in a reservoir over the last 30 years. It will allow to verify (or falsify) the hypothesis on the role of the Iron Gate for the silica decline in the coastal Black Sea.
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created 7/15/02 by G. Friedl, last update 7/15/02