Environmental change of the fluvial-estuary system in relation to Arase Dam removal of the Yatsushiro tidal flat,SW Kyushu,Japan

Chemical composition of 24 elements for sediments and suspended solids, water parameters and the diatoms from Yatsushiro Bay tidal flat, Kuma River, and Arase Dam have been determined to examine changes from 2002 to 2013. In 2002, sediment delivered to the bay by the Kuma River was restricted by the Arase Dam; however, in April 2010 two gates were opened and also repeated seasonal flushing allowing resumption of natural sediment transport. Bulk chemical composition of the tidal flat sediments has changed since 2002, with marked decreases in concentrations of As, Zn, Pb and total sulfur. Decreased heavy metal contents in 2012 and 2013 for bay sediments after opening the dam and repeated flushing is attributed to dilution by previously impounded quartz and feldspar. Restoration of natural sediment transport by opening the dam and repeated flushing has thus brought about a recovery in the Yatsushiro marine environment.