Trends in salinity and inorganic nitrogen compounds in the Berre lagoon (1994-2011) bacterial activities and nitrogen budgets

► The Berre lagoon eutrophication through nutrient and freshwater inputs was assessed. ► Salinity variations showed no direct effect on the nitrogen activities. ► Denitrification is the main process for N2 removal. ► Regenerated nitrogen from sediments does not fully explain the high primary production.