Nitrate removal across ecogeomorphic zones in Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana (USA) Supplemental Data

To understand the spatial distribution of nitrate removal in a river-dominated delta, we deployed 23 benthic chambers across ecogeomorphic zones with varying elevation, vegetation and sediment properties in Wax Lake Delta (Louisiana, USA) in June 2018. Regression analyses indicate that NDVI, a remotely sensed vegetation index, is a useful predictor of summertime nitrate removal. On average, potential removal rates were approximately three times greater on a vegetated submerged levee (13 mm hr-1), where NDVI was greatest, compared to other locations (4.6 mm hr-1). To protect coastal waters against high nitrate loads, management policies should aim to reduce upstream nutrient loads.