Identification of controls on estuary metabolism using high-frequency data and numerical modelling

Supporting short- and long-term water quality management decisions in estuarine systems is a challenging task requiring a holistic view of the ecosystem internal response to external stressors. A significant body of literature and management efforts rely on low temporal resolution (e.g., weekly) discrete water samples that fails to assess the dynamics of changing water quality within the estuarine system. This research pioneered the establishment of an estuarine observatory that integrates routine monitoring, high-frequency sensor data, and 3D coupled modelling, to provide insights into estuarine metabolism and oxygen dynamics. Research key findings highlighted the roles of environmental controls on estuarine metabolism.