| Title | WFD and eutrophication assessment: the role of nitrogen as a driving nutrient in shaping phytoplankton assemblages in 13 Italian water bodies |
| Abstract | This research was carried out in the frame of the LIFE project INHABIT (Local hydro-morphology, habitat and RBMPs: new measures to improve ecological quality in South European rivers and lakes). A key action of the project was finalized to detect the relationship between nutrients on the ecological quality of water bodies and to identify management options to reduce their effects on aquatic ecosystems to be included in RBMPs, focusing, in particular, on nitrogen. The outcome of the project will serve as a basis for the implementation of Water Framework Directive river basis management plans in Italy and, possibly, in Europe. Analyses were carried out on data from 13 lakes, located in two Italian Regions, Piedmont (North-western Italy, 7 lakes; 5 natural and 2 reservoirs) and Sardinia Island (6 lakes; 1 natural, 5 reservoirs). Seasonal samples were collected in each lake, from 3 to 6, depending on environmental characteristics. The following variables were considered: water temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, SRP, TP, N-NH4, N-NO3, TN, RSi, Secchi depth and chlorophyll. Species/environment relationships were explored using multivariate statistical techniques (CCA, RDA and Generalised Additive Models). Analysis was carried out on 23 phytoplankton orders and 51 genera/species. The results pointed out an increase of cyanobacteria (Nostocales and Oscillatoriales) with the increasing nitrogen availability. Moreover, a positive response of some chlorophytes species was also observed. On the other side, diatoms declined when nitrogen concentration increased. Our findings, confirming some experimental results previously obtained, emphasize the need for a further attention towards the impact of increasing nitrogen, in particular from atmospheric inputs, when restoration plans against eutrophication are designed. |
| Source | SEFS 8: VIII Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences, Muenster, Germania, 1-5 luglio 2013 |
| Keywords | WFDPhytoplanktonNitrogen |
| Year | 2013 |
| Type | Poster |
| Authors | Giuseppe Morabito; Martina Austoni; Michela Rogora; Aldo Marchetto; Antonella Lugliè; Maria Antonietta Mariani; Bachisio Mario Padedda; Nicola Sechi |
| Text | 282432 2013 WFD Phytoplankton Nitrogen WFD and eutrophication assessment the role of nitrogen as a driving nutrient in shaping phytoplankton assemblages in 13 Italian water bodies Giuseppe Morabito; Martina Austoni; Michela Rogora; Aldo Marchetto; Antonella Luglie; Maria Antonietta Mariani; Bachisio Mario Padedda; Nicola Sechi Giuseppe Morabito; Martina Austoni; Michela Rogora; Aldo Marchetto CNR ISE VB Antonella Luglie; Maria Antonietta Mariani; Bachisio Mario Padedda; Nicola Sechi Universita degli Studi di Sassari Dipartimento di Scienze dell Ambiente e del Territorio This research was carried out in the frame of the LIFE project INHABIT Local hydro morphology, habitat and RBMPs new measures to improve ecological quality in South European rivers and lakes . A key action of the project was finalized to detect the relationship between nutrients on the ecological quality of water bodies and to identify management options to reduce their effects on aquatic ecosystems to be included in RBMPs, focusing, in particular, on nitrogen. The outcome of the project will serve as a basis for the implementation of Water Framework Directive river basis management plans in Italy and, possibly, in Europe. Analyses were carried out on data from 13 lakes, located in two Italian Regions, Piedmont North western Italy, 7 lakes; 5 natural and 2 reservoirs and Sardinia Island 6 lakes; 1 natural, 5 reservoirs . Seasonal samples were collected in each lake, from 3 to 6, depending on environmental characteristics. The following variables were considered water temperature, conductivity, alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, SRP, TP, N NH4, N NO3, TN, RSi, Secchi depth and chlorophyll. Species/environment relationships were explored using multivariate statistical techniques CCA, RDA and Generalised Additive Models . Analysis was carried out on 23 phytoplankton orders and 51 genera/species. The results pointed out an increase of cyanobacteria Nostocales and Oscillatoriales with the increasing nitrogen availability. Moreover, a positive response of some chlorophytes species was also observed. On the other side, diatoms declined when nitrogen concentration increased. Our findings, confirming some experimental results previously obtained, emphasize the need for a further attention towards the impact of increasing nitrogen, in particular from atmospheric inputs, when restoration plans against eutrophication are designed. Published version In SEFS8 VIII Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences Muenster Germania , 1 5 luglio 2013 . SEFS 8 VIII Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences Muenster, Germania 1 5 luglio 2013 Internazionale Contributo Poster 2013_Poster_SESF.pdf Poster martina.austoni AUSTONI MARTINA aldo.marchetto MARCHETTO ALDO giuseppe.morabito MORABITO GIUSEPPE michela.rogora ROGORA MICHELA TA.P02.014.002 Impatto dei cambiamenti globali sugli ecosistemi acquatici |
