Potential environmental factors influencing mucilage formation in the northern Adriatic Sea

In the northern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, the mucilage phenomenon is usually related to the aggregation of extracellular organic matter of phytoplanktonic origin under special seasonal and trophic conditions. Environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, nitrogen, phosphorus and N/P ratio as well as polysaccharide and monosaccharide levels in the presence and absence of mucilage were investigated in the northern Adriatic Sea. Variations in temperature and salinity during spring in years characterised by mucilage events have been recognised having an important role in preparing a favourable physical environment where mucilage formation could take place. Since the DIN/TP ratio increased markedly during the spring months (March–April) in 2002, 2003 and 2004, preceding the early summer mucilage outbreaks, it appeared that the DIN/TP ratio may be a more robust predictor than the DIN/DIP ratio, which, although more commonly used, exhibited a discontinuous trend. The contents of total carbohydrates, including monosaccharides and polysaccharides, in seawater also varied according to the presence or absence of mucilage, with an increase of polysaccharide levels during the late spring or early summer in the period of the mucilage appearance. The role of carbohydrates in the macro-aggregate formation was also investigated.     

Microbial hydrolysis of polysaccharides and organic phosphates in the Northern Adriatic Sea

g -glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase, two ectoenzymes involved in the microbial decomposition of polysaccharides and organic phosphates, were evaluated in water samples collected from two areas of the Northern Adriatic Sea during the multidisciplinary Prisma II research project. The distribution of g -glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase is reported together with that of leucine aminopeptidase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of protein compounds. The data obtained showed the prevalence of g -glucosidase in summer months in the northern area, located in front of the Po delta, while in winter it is higher in the southern area (in front of Ancona). Phosphatase activity during February, 1998 had a maximum of 107 r nml m 1 h m 1 at a coastal station in the northern area; this enzyme appeared to be mainly associated with phytoplankton because the increase in alkaline phosphatase was associated with the increase of phytoplankton biomass, measured by chlorophyll a content. The relations between the microbial activities and environmental parameters are discussed.     

Maltooligosaccharides in the northwestern Adriatic Sea

The aim of this study was to monitor for the first time the oligosaccharide pattern in the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Oligosaccharides are components of the low-molecular-weight fraction of dissolved organic matter (DOM). They perform an important ecological function in the microbial loop prompting substrates for bacterial degradation. In particular, our investigation focused on maltooligosaccharides (glucose α 1–4 linked). The analyses were carried out using a dialysis-charcoal column sorption pre-concentration method, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in multiple reaction monitoring mode. During the study period, the concentration of maltooligosaccharides with a low degree of polymerisation (ranging from maltose to maltotetraose) was higher than other maltooligosaccharides (maltopentaose and maltoeptaose) and all together they reached their highest concentration in June. This concentration was temporally shifted from a long period of diatom bloom (from January to April). Furthermore, the annual maltooligosaccharide trend was monitored together with several chemical, physical and biological parameters to investigate their potential role on the maltooligosaccharide accumulation. Our results suggested that the maltooligosaccharide accumulation could be related to the water column stratification.     

Meio- and macrofauna communities in three sandy beaches of the northern Adriatic Sea protected by artificial reefs

Interactions between meio- and macrofaunal assemblages and food availability were investigated in relation to tourism pressures on three beaches of the northern Adriatic Sea. All beaches were characterised by the presence of artificial reefs, freshwater inputs and tourism pressures. Beach sediments displayed high organic loads and low protein and chlorophyll a contributions to the bulk of the organic matter. Consequently, the organic matter was of mostly refractory composition and, thus, of scarce nutritional quality. Macrofaunal community structure and biomass were related to the quantity and nutritional quality of sedimentary organic matter, whereas meiofauna was apparently not. No relationships were found between physical variables and the metazoan communities. Most likely, the presence of artificial reefs reduced the physical impact of waves on the beach assemblages, whereas the presence of synergistic human impacts, including freshwater inputs and the tourism pressure, negatively influenced both the meio- and the macrofaunal assemblages.     

Egg production and hatching success in North Adriatic Sea populations of the copepod acartia clausi

Egg production, fecal pellet production and hatching success are reported for Acartia clausi females sampled during three cruises in February 1997, 1998 and June 1997 at 20-24 stations along 4 transects in the North Adriatic Sea. Dramatically low hatching rates were recorded during both diatom bloom events in February as opposed to much higher rates during post-bloom conditions in June, even though A. clausi productivity during the bloom was apparently high. These results are discussed in the light of recent findings on the negative impact of diatoms on copepod reproductive potential.     

Net-zooplankton biomass of the Adriatic Sea

On the basis of 1 107 plankton samples collected during 1971–1981 in the different parts of the Adriatic Sea, the horizontal distribution of net zooplankton biomass, expressed as dry weight and ash-free dry weight, is discussed. The northern Adriatic combined with the Gulf of Trieste usually had the highest standing crop of zooplankton. Biomass in other regions was lower and more uniform. In general, the highest zooplankton stocks came from the shallow regions close to the coast where the sources of enrichment from the land (fresh water inflow, land drainage. pollution where it exists) and the shallow sediments are the highest. We believe the elevated zooplankton biomass encountered in the north Adriatic to be due to proliferation of tolerant non-selective feeding zooplankton species, such as copepods, which can use detritus as a major fraction of their diet. The northern Adriatic is rich in living and non-living suspended particles throughout the year and can thus maintain high zooplankton biomass. This conclusion is probably valid for similar regions of the Mediterranean Sea.     

Quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter around offshore gas extraction platforms of the Adriatic Sea

Gas platforms can exert relevant effects on various ecosystem properties of the hosting area, modifying patterns of productivity and particle sedimentation. We hypothesised that the presence of gas platforms is associated with higher organic matter (OM) contents and we tested the null hypothesis by which benthic trophic conditions do not vary significantly among gas structures with different architectural characteristics. To test these hypotheses, we investigated sedimentary OM contents and biochemical composition at increasing distance from two distinct structures: one subsea well-site and one four-leg platform (FLP). We found that sediments surrounding the structures were characterised by similar OM contents, but different biochemical compositions, and that sedimentary OM compositional change with increasing distance from the structure is confirmed only at the FLP. These results suggest that: (i) benthic eutrophication is not consistent among different structures; (ii) OM biochemical composition changes are more evident than those in OM quantity; and (iii) the effect, wherever present, disappears at a very narrow distance from the platform. As biochemical composition of OM reflects food availability for benthic organisms, our results suggest that the enrichment of macrozoobenthic communities around these structures could be the consequence of increased nutritional quality of resources.     

Metal distribution in sediments from the Adriatic Sea

Total metal concentrations (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and their distribution in different chemical forms (speciation) were determined in sediments from the Adriatic Sea in order to evaluate contamination and mobility of metals. The study was carried out on marine sediments collected in two areas of the Adriatic Sea differently influenced by Po river waters. Metal distribution in the study area depends prevalently on water circulation and on organic matter distribution. Among metal levels, significant correlations between copper and zinc and between lead and nickel were found, suggesting common and specific sources. As regards metal speciation, the distribution of different chemical forms changes with the metal. The prevailing zinc phases, for example mobile forms, and sulphide together are greater than 50% of total metal. Nickel is mainly present in sediments as sulphide, and the preferential association of copper with organic matter is evident. Lead and manganese are preferentially found as mobile forms (more of 30% for lead, 40% or more for manganese).     

Particulate organic matter in the Northern and Central Adriatic

The particulate organic matter distribution and its elemental composition in the northern and central Adriatic Sea during different seasonal periods are shown, highlighting the principal processes and factors influencing their distribution and characteristics. In the low salinity waters the concentrations of particulate carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were higher and more variable than in the dense waters, mainly due to dilution effects which induce an abundant phytoplankton growth. Generally in summer the particulate organic matter distribution followed the trophic gradient while in winter resuspension events often became more important. Differences between summer and winter were more evident in the diluted waters and were mainly due to the seasonal heat exchanges and to the fresh water inputs. Marked differences in C/P ratios were observed in the POM: high ratios in the northern diluted waters and low in the more saline waters and in the central Adriatic.     

Heavy metal distribution and speciation in the Northern Adriatic Sea

In the present study the concentrations of cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, zinc were analysed and the speciation of copper and zinc performed, with a summer and winter sampling, for two areas in the Northern Adriatic Sea and crossing at the farthest zones of the Po river-sea water interface. Results show that when salinity increases the concentrations of all investigated metals (with the exception of cobalt) present some degree of biogeochemical cycling. Copper is the element whose dissolved phase has the highest importance in metal transport across the salinity gradient. Results of speciation analysis demonstrate that the presence of excess amounts (5-8 fold) of unbound ligands confers a buffering capacity for potential inputs of dissolved metals into the Northern Adriatic Sea. The speciation of both copper and zinc in the dissolved phase was dominated by organic complexation.     

Biochemical composition and early diagenesis of organic matter in coastal sediments of the NW Adriatic Sea influenced by riverine inputs

River inputs influence trophodynamic and biogeochemical processes of adjacent continental shelves. In order to provide new insights on the influence of continental inputs on the benthic trophic state and early diagenesis of sediment organic matter we collected surface sediments in the NW Adriatic Sea at three stations located at increasing distance from the Po River. Sediment samples were collected in four periods characterized by different river outflows and analysed for chloropigment content (chlorophyll-a and phaeopygments), protein, carbohydrate and lipid concentrations, prokaryote abundance and aminopeptidase activity. Sediments of the NW Adriatic Sea displayed high organic loads, tightly coupled with the outflow dynamics of the Po River. A major flooding event was responsible of an enhanced accumulation of organic material on the sea bottom. The resulting increased nutrient load in the sediment impaired organic matter degradation processes. The results of the present study suggest that the enhanced trophic state of marine coastal sediments subjected to riverine inputs are related not only to the increased nutrient inputs, but that they may be amplified by impaired degradation processes.     

Microbial respiratory and ectoenzymatic activities in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

The carbon transfer through the microbial community in two areas of the Northern Adriatic Sea was estimated by proteolytic and respiratory activities during four oceanographic surveys carried out in June, 1996, 1997 and February, 1997, 1998. In front of the Po Delta (area A), the mean rates of proteolytic activity range from 4.9 to 9.9 r µg r C r h r l; near Ancona (area B), they range from 3.1 to 7.6 r µg r C r h r l. Respiratory rates vary between 0.19 and 2.29 and between 0.24 and 1.40 r µg r C r h r l in areas A and B, respectively. In general, high rates occur in the surface layers, within the first 10 r m of depth. In area A, proteolytic and respiratory rates undergo seasonal course, with high activity in warm periods. In area B, respiration and bacterioplankton abundance increase from the first to the second year, whilst proteolytic activity decreases. The sequence of metabolic steps in the carbon transfer within the bacteria, from the biotic vs . the abiotic compartment, was drawn in order to define the actual role of bacterial biomass in the biogeochemical fluxes in an ecosystem which often suffers distrophic crises. Respiratory turnover rates, in the upper 10 r m depth, reach low values in cold periods and high values in June, 1997. The carbon transfer versus mineralization flows better in the summer period, in particular in June, 1997. However, the bacterial growth efficiency ranges from 17 to 38% in area A and from 13 to 44% in area B with highest values in February, 1997, when bacteria contribute in a relevant way to the overall respiration.     

Phytoplankton photosynthetic activity and growth rates in the NW Adriatic Sea

Taxonomic composition, biomass, primary production and growth rates of the phytoplankton community were studied in two stations in the NW Adriatic Sea on a seasonal basis, in areas characterized by differing hydrological and trophic conditions. The main differences between the two stations were quantitative rather than qualitative, most phytoplankton species being common to both stations. The effects of differing nutrient concentrations and plume spreading were evident. Biomass and primary production rates were significantly higher in the coastal station (S1), and the phytoplankton distribution in the water column was markedly stratified in S1 and more even in the offshore station (S3). However, chlorophyll a specific production, potential growth rate and production efficiencies were very similar in both stations, even when phosphorus concentrations were limiting. A discrepancy between potential and actual growth rate was observed: as a feature common to both stations, comparisons between potential and actual growth rates revealed that little carbon produced by phytoplankton accumulated as algal biomass; therefore, very high loss rates were estimated.     

Phytoplankton photosynthetic activity and growth rates in the NW Adriatic Sea

Taxonomic composition, biomass, primary production and growth rates of the phytoplankton community were studied in two stations in the NW Adriatic Sea on a seasonal basis, in areas characterized by differing hydrological and trophic conditions. The main differences between the two stations were quantitative rather than qualitative, most phytoplankton species being common to both stations. The effects of differing nutrient concentrations and plume spreading were evident. Biomass and primary production rates were significantly higher in the coastal station (S1), and the phytoplankton distribution in the water column was markedly stratified in S1 and more even in the offshore station (S3). However, chlorophyll a specific production, potential growth rate and production efficiencies were very similar in both stations, even when phosphorus concentrations were limiting. A discrepancy between potential and actual growth rate was observed: as a feature common to both stations, comparisons between potential and actual growth rates revealed that little carbon produced by phytoplankton accumulated as algal biomass; therefore, very high loss rates were estimated.     

Nutrient balance in the ecosystem of the North Western Adriatic Sea

The effects of biological processes on dissolved inorganic nutrients, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and phosphorus (DOP) are considered in the north western Adriatic Sea. The budgets of these nutrients, which represent the sum of production and consumption processes in comparison to advection, are discussed with regard to dissolved inorganic nitrogen ( 15 N labelled) uptake, which basically indicates the biological demand of this fraction of nitrogen by phytoplankton community. The presented data show that, although important, the continental input of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), mainly nitrate, is utilised and recycled within the coastal marine environment (budget of m 15 r µmol-N·dm m 3 ). In fact, during four cruises (June, 1996; February, 1997; June, 1997; February, 1998), phytoplankton production was mainly driven by regenerated nutrients ( f h 0.4). Regarding dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), the negative budgets observed in most cases (down to m 0.4 r µmol-P·dm m 3 ) confirm, above all, its scarce availability in this basin. Recycling processes rather than continental inputs regulate the availability of this nutrient. In addition, the comparison between DIN and DIP budgets indicates that, in this ecosystem, dissolved inorganic phosphorus is recycled faster than nitrogen through the living particulate and dissolved organic pools. As a consequence of biological activities, a strong production of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) can occur in summer (up to +22 r µmol-N·dm m 3 ) while DOP shows a more independent behaviour both with respect to its accumulation in the environment and to the observed nitrogen variations.     

Distribution,biomass and ecology of meso-zooplankton in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Two oceanographic cruises were carried out in the northern Adriatic Sea, from June, 1996 to February, 1997. Samples were collected using a BIONESS electronic multinet (204 samples on 54 stations) along inshore-offshore sections. Zooplankton abundance and biomass were estimated in relation to the variability of temperature, salinity and fluorescence. Spatial and vertical distribution patterns of the most important zooplankton groups were studied. During June, in the northern area, abundance and biomass of 2787 - 1735 r ind m and 29.3 - 26.7 r mg r m, respectively, were reported. The zooplankton community was constituted essentially by copepods and cladocerans. In the southern area, instead, an abundance of 4698 - 5978 r ind r m and a dry weight of 25.4 - 15.3 r mg r m were observed, with a reverse dominance ratio between these groups. In February, in the northern area the zooplankton community (1380 - 595 r ind r m and 19.6 - 9.9 r mg r m) was mainly constituted by copepods, larvae of invertebrates, appendicularians and cladocerans; in the southern area zooplankton average abundance was 969 - 493 r ind r m and 9.9 - 3.2 r mg r m being copepods, cladocerans, appendicularians and larvae of invertebrates. The zooplankton spatial distribution, in this period, did not show the classic inshore-offshore gradient. Spatial distribution and biomass values of zooplankton, in the northern Adriatic Sea, were strongly influenced by hydrological characteristics, allowed up to formulate a preliminary model about distribution, along the water column, of the different associations of species assemblages with regard to different water masses in the neritic system.     

Particulate matter and downward flux in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea

During four oceanographic cruises carried out in June 1996, February and June 1997, and February 1998, particulate matter characteristics and short-term downward fluxes measured with drifting sediment traps were studied in two areas of the Adriatic Sea. The investigated areas were located one south of the Po River delta, and the other in the central Adriatic between Pesaro and Ancona. In each area, a frontal system was detected and two stations inside and outside the front, i.e . in coastal and offshore areas, were selected. The particulate and dissolved matter revealed a higher concentration in the coastal areas with the highest values in the central Adriatic coastal zone in both February surveys. Total mass fluxes ranged within two orders of magnitude from 11 to 3139 r mg m d in the northern area and similarly from 20 to 3864 r mg r m r d in the southern one, with higher values in the coastal stations. The organic carbon accounted for 3-30% of total flux in the northern coastal station with higher values in June, whereas at the offshore station it ranged from 6 to 39% in summer, decreasing to values lower than 10% in February. In the southern zone the organic carbon content was less than 2% in winter and from 3 to 33% in summer. The organic carbon fluxes (1-82 and 6-71 r mg C m d in the northern and southern area) were comparable with others measured with drifting sediment traps in the same area, though much lower with respect to those measured with long-term moored sediment traps. The export of organic carbon from the photic layer (expressed as the percentage of primary production) in the northern area was less than 10% at the coastal station, reaching a maximum of 12% in the offshore area. In the central Adriatic area it was greater, with values reaching up to 66% at the coastal station in June 1996. The organic carbon loss via sedimentation from the POC pool was low ( i.e. <1.5% per day) at both stations in the northern zone, while in the southern area the export was generally greater, exceeding 10% in the offshore area.     

Comparison of osmoregulation between Adriatic and North Sea Carcinus

In two spatially isolated species — North Sea Carcinus maenas L. and Adriatic Carcinus mediterraneus Czerniavsky —osmoconcentration in hemolymph and Na-transport were investigated. The experiments were performed on crabs which had been long-term acclimated to sea water (1190 mOsmol/l) and to 50% sea water, and on individuals immediately after transfer from sea water to 50% sea water, until new steadystate conditions had been reached. About 10 to 12 h after transfer, a new steady state of total osmoconcentration as well as of the concentrations of the most representative cations Na, K, Ca, and Mg was attained. The hemolymph contents of Na and total osmotically active substances of the North and Adriatic Sea populations are significantly different when they are long-term acclimated to sea water and to 50% sea water. Total sodium fluxes, as calculated from influx and outflux experiments, are in the range 12.1 to 15.2 M Na/g/h in both species when acclimated to sea water. In 50% sea water, sodium fluxes are retarded, especially in C. maenas (6.6 M Na/g/h). This value is significantly lower than the corresponding value in C. mediterraneus (11.4 M Na/g/h). Differences are discussed on the basis of adaptation of the populations to their different environments.     

Hydrographic and biological aspects of algal bloom in the Adriatic Sea in 1988

The interaction of hydrological, chemical and biological factors in a defined time may cause an excess bloom of phytoplankton in an ecosystem, which can persist over a long period or occur from time to time.

This phenomenon has been recorded from the northern Adriatic and coastal enclosed basins along the eastern Adriatic coast (Ka?tela Bay, Split) for a long time now.

During 1988 this phenomenon of increased production was recorded from almost the entire northern and middle Adriatic with some traces even in its southern part. Some preliminary results for that period point to the fact that this was caused very likely by exceptionally warm and dry weather, with no significant precipitations and wind. Such conditions affect horizontal and vertical stratification of water masses.

High photosynthetic radiation, increased quantities of alochthonous organic matter, either in the form of particulate or dissolved organic matter, either in the form of particulate or dissolved organic carbon (POC or DOC), influx of nutrients (via rivers, municipal sewage or upwelling) are the main causes of sudden bloom and rapid reproduction rate of phytoplankton species (Diatoms) to the large quantities to which the pollution of the entire coastal area is due.