Validation of the Macrophyte Quality Index (MaQI) set up to assess the ecological status of Italian marine transitional environments |
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Authors: | Adriano Sfriso Chiara Facca Pier Francesco Ghetti |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice, Calle Larga Santa Marta 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy |
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Abstract: | The paper couples the results obtained by applying the expert and the rapid Macrophyte Quality Indices set up to assess the
ecological status of the Italian transitional environments according to the requirements by the Water Framework Directive
(2000/60/CE). The indices were validated by comparing the composition of the macrophyte assemblages and the values of some
bio-physico-chemical parameters of the water column of 20 stations of the Venice lagoon sampled monthly for one year between
2003 and 2005. In 5 stations out of the 20, the ones which fall within the 5 classes of ecological status suggested by the
Water Framework Directive, sedimentation rates, sediment grain-size, and nutrient and pollutant (metals, Polychloro-Dibenzo-Dioxins/Furans,
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenils) concentrations in surface sediments were also
determined. Results showed strong relationships between the trends of these environmental parameters and the composition and
structure of macrophyte associations, as well as with the Macrophyte Quality Index assessment. Chlorophyceae showed a trend
opposite to Rhodophyceae whose presence was concentrated in oxygenated and transparent environments. Chlorophyceae and the
species characterised by low scores prevailed in turbid areas where nutrient and pollutant concentrations were high. Results
allowed the identification of the conditions of the “reference sites” (confinement areas and sites with high water renewal)
and the integration of the dichotomic key used for the application of the R-MaQI.
Handling editor: S. M. Thomaz |
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Keywords: | Transitional environments Ecological indices Environmental quality Water Framework Directive Macrophytes Mediterranean Sea eco-region |
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