Potentially valuables Bioindicators for cultural eutrophication level assessment. ANTONELLA VOLTA
Author: Antonella Volta
Affiliation: Ferrara University
Abstract
Coastal lagoons are transitional ecosystems located on the border between land and sea characterized by strong environmental fluctuations which affect the physiological and ecological adaptations of the living species. The environmental quality of the lagoon ecosystem depends on the balance between chemical-physical components (water salinity, temperature, water-dissolved oxygen, high productivity, reduced hydrodynamics) and biological processes that define the complexity of the trophic chain. All these factors are strongly influenced by human activities that cause the phenomenon of eutrophication. The coastal lagoon ecosystem is an heterogeneous environment easily affected by changes of different kinds (both natural and artificial) which cause the reduction in size of wetlands areas, increment of coastal erosion and more frequent flooding. Human activities are also important stressors which can lead to significant biological changes. In this context the study of the structure and space-time dynamics of biological communities is an important way to assess the ecosystem’s quality, to evaluate its healthiness level and to suggest possible strategies for environmental remediation.
The individuation of specific Bioindicators becomes fundamental for a precise assessment of the “health status” of the animal, vegetal and microorganism populations and the quality of their habitat. The continuous monitoring of Bioindicators over time allows to define plan and realize interventions focused on adapting as soon as possible ecosystem to environmental changes improving resilience to the climate changes.
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