Human impact on a small barrier reef meadow of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile on the north Tyrrhenian coast (Italy).
The health status of an emerging Posidonia oceanica meadow, subject to high human impact, was studied. Biometric variables, heavy metals, PAHs and C, N, P contents were determined in sediment and seagrass samples. The meadow was found to grow under oligotrophic conditions and an increase in nutrient content was only recorded in autumn. In sediment, Hg exceeded its ERL (effects range low) and sometimes also its ERM (effects range medium), and Cu was close to its ERL. In leaves, Hg and Cu were relatively high but below their respective ERLs. Sediments close to the meadow were heavily contaminated with pyrolytic PAHs, some of which exceeded their ERLs. P. oceanica did not show major accumulation of PAHs, lighter molecules predominating. Despite 40 years of intense human activity, meadow growth dynamics and contaminant accumulation did not suggest that the meadow was regressing.
Lagoon Ecology and Aquaculture Laboratory OPL srl, Via G. Leopardi, 9, 58015 Orbetello, Italy. Electronic address: lealab1@gmail.com.
Lenzi
L
Mauro
Gennaro
G
Paola
Volterrani
V
Margherita
Roffilli
R
Rugiada
Birardi
B
Francesca
Micarelli
M
Primo
Solari
S
Duccio
Franchi
F
Enrica
D035961:Alismatales / Q000254:growth & development*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007558:Italy; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Barrier-reef; Heavy metals; Human impact; Marine sediment contamination; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Posidonia oceanica