A dataset of nutrient structure and limiting factors of phytoplankton growth in Jiaozhou bay from 1997 to 2010

Nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon are the main biogenic elements and the basis of primary production processes and food chains in the ocean. The ratio of phosphorus-nitrogen, silicon-phosphorus and silicon-nitrogen in water affects the growth of phytoplankton and the primary productivity. Jiaozhou bay is a typical semi-enclosed bay in the north temperate zone and a model bay for China’s marine ecological environment research. The dataset is set up based on long-term stratified nutrient observations from 8 fixed stations in Jiaozhou bay from 1997 to 2010 by the Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Shandong (the Jiaozhou Bay Station). To tap into the value of the available data, the original data of dataset was first standardized by using the quality control system of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CERN). And then a time series 3sigma test was performed together with a merge site consistency comparison to eliminate outliers. After a uniform interpolation, ratio calculation was performed, and the limit factors were determined according to the nutrient salt stoichiometric limit standard. The data was statistically calculated both on a quarterly basis and on an annual basis. Vector graphics were also available to cater to the needs of different users. The dataset mainly provides data support and accumulation for researchers who work on the structure and evolution of the gulf ecosystem as well as the regional correlation of the ecosystem. It also provides data support for ecological patterns, ecological disasters and government policies.