The use of dinoflagellate cysts to separate human-induced from natural variability in the trophic state of the Po River discharge plume over the last two centuries

► We reconstruct 2 centuries trophic history of a coastal Italian marine ecosystem. ► Fossil dinoflagellate cysts reflect natural induced changes in Po River discharge. ► Changes in dinoflagellate cyst association reflects the human induced pollution. ► Eutrophication started 1895 synchronous to the start of the industrial revolution. ► Dinocysts reflect hypotrophic waters after 1955 and slight improvement after 1987.