Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6359268 | Marine Pollution Bulletin | 2013 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
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 40Â years of intense human activity, meadow growth dynamics and contaminant accumulation did not suggest that the meadow was regressing.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Oceanography
Authors
Lenzi Mauro, Gennaro Paola, Volterrani Margherita, Roffilli Rugiada, Birardi Francesca, Micarelli Primo, Solari Duccio, Franchi Enrica,