| Title | Phytoplankton size structure and diversity in the transitional system of the Aquatina Lagoon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean). |
| Abstract | The Aquatina Lagoon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Ecoregion) is a transitional water ecosystem with great ecological and socio-economic interest. Anthropogenic activities around the lagoon (e.g., agriculture and tourism) and hydrology can affect the environmental quality and biodiversity of the lagoon. Herein, the dynamics and diversity of phytoplankton communities were studied before and after the opening of a new canal connecting the lagoon with the sea, by using different approaches based on an evaluation of the size and structure of the phytoplankton as well as the taxonomic analyses. The lagoon depicted time-related fluctuations in chemical-physical parameters. The phytoplankton trend was characterized by an increase in abundance and biomass in summer, when pico-sized autotrophs dominated. Generally, nano-sized phytoflagellates dominated the community, while micro-sized dinoflagellates and diatoms were less abundant. An increase in the phytoplankton taxa number was observed throughout the years. All the analyzed parameters were generally relatively homogeneous before the opening of the channel, while some quantitative differences among stations were observed in the second sampling period. Considering the statistical evidence, both environmental and biological parameters were affected by the "dilution" effect exerted by marine water inputs. This research supports the evidence that phytoplankton is a good indicator of the environmental status, and the obtained results contribute to the implementation of management strategies for the conservation of transitional water ecosystems. |
| Source | Microorganisms 11 (1277), pp. 1–16 |
| Keywords | dynamicsenvironmental variablesphytoplanktondiversityAquatina Lagoondiversitytransitional systemtransitional waterstransitional waters |
| Journal | Microorganisms |
| Editor | Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Articolo in rivista |
| DOI | 10.3390/ microorganisms11051277 |
| Authors | Caroppo C., Pinna M., Vadrucci M.R. |
| Text | 481453 2023 10.3390/ microorganisms11051277 dynamics environmental variables phytoplankton diversity Aquatina Lagoon diversity transitional system transitional waters transitional waters Phytoplankton size structure and diversity in the transitional system of the Aquatina Lagoon Southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean . Caroppo C., Pinna M., Vadrucci M.R. National Research Council, Water Research Institute CNR IRSA , 74123 Taranto, Italy NBFC National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Via Monteroni 165, 73100 Lecce, Italy Research Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture of Aquatina di Frigole, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy Agenzia Regionale Protezione Ambiente della Campania, 83100 Avellino, Italy The Aquatina Lagoon Southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Ecoregion is a transitional water ecosystem with great ecological and socio economic interest. Anthropogenic activities around the lagoon e.g., agriculture and tourism and hydrology can affect the environmental quality and biodiversity of the lagoon. Herein, the dynamics and diversity of phytoplankton communities were studied before and after the opening of a new canal connecting the lagoon with the sea, by using different approaches based on an evaluation of the size and structure of the phytoplankton as well as the taxonomic analyses. The lagoon depicted time related fluctuations in chemical physical parameters. The phytoplankton trend was characterized by an increase in abundance and biomass in summer, when pico sized autotrophs dominated. Generally, nano sized phytoflagellates dominated the community, while micro sized dinoflagellates and diatoms were less abundant. An increase in the phytoplankton taxa number was observed throughout the years. All the analyzed parameters were generally relatively homogeneous before the opening of the channel, while some quantitative differences among stations were observed in the second sampling period. Considering the statistical evidence, both environmental and biological parameters were affected by the dilution effect exerted by marine water inputs. This research supports the evidence that phytoplankton is a good indicator of the environmental status, and the obtained results contribute to the implementation of management strategies for the conservation of transitional water ecosystems. 11 Published version https //www.mdpi.com/2076 2607/11/5/1277 10/05/2023 Phytoplankton Size Structure and Diversity in the Transitional System of the Aquatina Lagoon Southern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Manoscritto microorganisms 11 01277.pdf Articolo in rivista Molecular Diversity Preservation International 2076 2607 Microorganisms Microorganisms carmela.caroppo CAROPPO CARMELA PRR.AP005.006.001 NBFC_SPOKE3_ ASSESSING AND MONITORING TERRESTRIAL AND FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY AND ITS EVOLUTION FROM TAXONOMY TO GENOMICS AND CITIZEN SCIENCE_IRSA |
