Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Factors Controlling Benthic Biogeochemistry in Urbanized Coastal Systems: an Example from Venice (Italy)

  • Published:
Estuaries and Coasts Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Benthic biogeochemical processes and their interactions are affected by multiple factors including organic matter load, season, and hydrology. We analyzed benthic biogeochemistry in two canals in the urban area of Venice (Italy), to assess the effects of contrasting tidal conditions on organic matter processing in the heavily modified lagoonal ecosystem. We measured sediment oxygen demand, bacterial sulfate reduction, denitrification, dissimilative nitrate reduction to ammonia, dissolved inorganic carbon, and inorganic nutrient fluxes across the sediment-water interface under different seasonal (late winter and summer) and tidal (spring and neap tide) conditions. Sediments were highly organic and strongly reduced. Organic matter mineralization was mainly driven by bacterial sulfate reduction, whereas denitrification was limited by both nitrate availability and competition with dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. While the elevated benthic metabolism can be largely explained by organic enrichment, contrasting tidal conditions can be a significant driver of intra-seasonal variability of benthic biogeochemistry. Under neap tide, dissolved inorganic carbon production increased up to threefold, sulfides attained up to 6.4 mM in porewater, denitrification became inefficient, and the ratio of nitrogen recycling to dissipation increased by ~70 % compared to spring tide. Additionally, increased efflux of inorganic nitrogen from sediments fed back to promote further eutrophication. We infer that human modifications to reduce fortnightly tidal flushing can impact benthic processes, impairing sediment functioning and water quality.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • A.P.H.A. 1998. Standard methods for the analysis of water and wastewater, 20th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Public Health Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnosti, C., B.B. Jorgensen, J. Sagemann, and B. Thamdrup. 1998. Temperature dependence of microbial degradation of organic matter in marine sediments: polysaccharide hydrolysis, oxygen consumption, and sulfate reduction. Marine Ecology Progress Series 165: 59–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Azzoni, R., G. Giordani, M. Bartoli, D.T. Welsh, and P. Viaroli. 2001. Iron, sulphur and phosphorus cycling in the rhizosphere sediments of a eutrophic Ruppia cirrhosa meadow (Valle Smarlacca, Italy). Journal of Sea Research 45: 15–26.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Azzoni, R., G. Giordani, and P. Viaroli. 2005. Iron-sulfur-phosphorus interactions: implications for sediment buffering capacity in a mediterranean eutrophic lagoon (Sacca di Goro, Italy). Hydrobiologia 550: 131–148.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartoli, M., D. Longhi, D. Nizzoli, S. Como, P. Magni, and P. Viaroli. 2009. Short term effects of hypoxia and bioturbation on solute fluxes, denitrification and buffering capacity in a shallow dystrophic pond. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 381: 105–113.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berg, P., M. Long, M. Huettel, J.E. Rheuban, K.J. McGlathery, R.W. Howarth, K.H. Foreman, A.E. Giblin, and R. Marino. 2013. Eddy correlation measurements of oxygen fluxes in permeable sediments exposed to varying current flow and light. Limnology and Oceanography 58: 1329–1343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berner, R.A. 1980. Early diagenesis: a theoretical approach. Princeton: University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottcher, M.E., B. Hespenheide, H.J. Brumsack, and K. Bosselmann. 2004. Stable isotope biogeochemistry of the sulfur cycle in modern marine sediments: I. Seasonal dynamics in a temperate intertidal sandy surface sediment. Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies 40: 267–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boudreau, B.P., and J.T. Westrich. 1984. The dependence of bacterial sulphate reduction on sulphate concentration in marine sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 48: 2503–2516.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bower, C.E., and T. Holm-Hansen. 1980. A salicylate-hypochlorite method for determining ammonia in seawater. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37: 794–798.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruesewitz, D.A., W.S. Gardner, R.F. Mooney, L. Pollard, and E.J. Buskey. 2013. Estuarine ecosystem function response to flood and drought in a shallow, semiarid estuary: nitrogen cycling and ecosystem metabolism. Limnology and Oceanography 58: 2293–2309.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burgin, A.J., and S.K. Hamilton. 2007. Have we overemphasized the role of denitrification in aquatic ecosystems? A review of nitrate removal pathways. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 5: 89–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calace, N., N. Calmieri, S. Mirante, B.M. Petronio, and M. Pietroletti. 2006. Dissolved and particulate humic substances in water channels in the historic centre of Venice. Water Research 40: 1109–1118.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chanton, J.P., C.S. Martens, and M.B. Goldhaber. 1987. Biogeochemical cycling in an organic rich coastal marine basin. 7. Sulfur mass balance, oxygen uptake and sulfide retention. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 51: 1187–1199.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, P.B., S. Rysgaard, N.P. Sloth, T. Dalsgaard, and S. Schwaerter. 2000. Sediment mineralization, nutrient fluxes, denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in an estuarine fjord with sea cage trout farms. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 21: 73–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cline, J.D. 1969. Spectrophotometric determination of hydrogen sulphide in natural waters. Limnology and Oceanography 14: 454–459.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conley, D.J., J. Carstensen, R. Vaquer-Sunyer, and C.M. Duarte. 2009. Ecosystem thresholds with hypoxia. Hydrobiologia 629: 21–29.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crossland, C.J., Kremer, H.H.,Lindeboom, H.J., Marshall Crossland, J.I., and M.D.A. Le Tissier. 2005. Coastal Fluxes in the Anthropocene. The land-ocean interactions in the Coastal Zone Project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. Global Change - The IGBP Series n° XX . Springer, 232 pp.

  • Dabalà, C., N. Calace, P. Campostrini, M. Cervelli, F. Collarini, L. Da Ros, A. Libertini, A. Marcomini, C. Nasci, D. Pampanin, B.M. Petronio, M. Pietroletti, G. Poiana, R. Trisolini, L. Zaggia, and R. Zonta. 2005. Water quality in the channels of Venice: results of a recent survey. In Flooding and environmental challenges for venice and its lagoon: state of knowledge, ed. C.A. Fletcher and T. Spencer, 617–630. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Wit, R., L.J. Stal, B.A. Lomstein, R.A. Herbert, H. van Gemerden, P. Viaroli, V.U. Ceccherelli, F. Rodríguez-Valera, M. Bartoli, G. Giordani, R. Azzoni, B. Shaub, D.T. Welsh, A. Donnely, A. Cifuentes, J. Anton, K. Finster, L.B. Nielsen, A.G. Underlien Pedersen, A.T. Neubauer, M.A. Colangelo, and S.K. Heijs. 2001. ROBUST: The ROle of BUffering capacities in STabilising coastal lagoon ecosystems. Continental Shelf Research 21: 2021–2041.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dong, L.F., M. Naqasima Sobey, C.J. Smith, I. Rusmana, W. Philips, A.M. Osborn, and D.B. Nedwell. 2011. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, not denitrification or anammox, dominates benthic nitrate reduction in tropical estuaries. Limnology and Oceanography 56: 279–291.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duarte, C.M., W.C. Dennison, R.J.W. Orth, and T.J.B. Carruthers. 2008. The charisma of coastal ecosystems: Addressing the imbalance. Estuaries and Coasts 31: 233–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eyre, B.D., and A.J.P. Ferguson. 2009. Denitrification efficiency for defining critical loads of carbon in shallow coastal ecosystems. Hydrobiologia 629: 137–146.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fattore, E., E. Benfenati, G. Mariani, E. Cools, G. Vezzoli, and R. Fanelli. 1997. Analysis of organic micropollutants in sediment samples of the Venice lagoon, Italy. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 99: 237–244.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Findlay, R., and L. Watling. 1997. Prediction of benthic impact for salmon net-pens based on the balance of benthic oxygen supply and demand. Marine Ecology Progress Series 155: 147–157.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flemer, D.A., and M.A. Champ. 2006. What is the future of estuaries given nutrient over-enrichment, freshwater diversion and low flows? Marine Pollution Bulletin 52: 247–258.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fossing, H. 1995. 35S-Radiolabeling to probe biogeochemical cycling of sulfur. In Geochemical transformations of sedimentary sulfur 612, ed. M.A. Vairavamurthy and M.A. A. Schoonen, 348–364. American Chemical Society.

  • Fossing, H., and B.B. Jorgensen. 1989. Measurement of bacterial sulphate reduction in sediment: evaluation of a single-step chromium reduction method. Biogeochemistry 8: 205–222.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, W.S., M.J. McCarthy, S. An, D. Sobolev, K.S. Sell, and D. Brock. 2006. Nitrogen fixation and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) support nitrogen dynamics in Texas estuaries. Limnology and Oceanography 51: 558–568.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giblin, A.E., C.R. Tobias, B. Song, N. Weston, G.T. Banta, and V.H. Rivera-Monroy. 2013. The importance of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in the nitrogen cycle of coastal ecosystems. Oceanography 26(3): 124–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giordani, G., R. Azzoni, and P. Viaroli. 2008. A rapid assessment of the sedimentary buffering capacity towards free sulphides. Hydrobiologia 611: 55–66.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamersley, M.R., and B.L. Howes. 2003. Contribution of denitrification to nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen cycling in tidal creek sediments of a New England salt marsh. Marine Ecology Progress Series 262: 55–69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, L.S., M. Holmer, and T.H. Blackburn. 1993. Mineralization of organic nitrogen and carbon (fish food) added to anoxic sediment microcosms: role of sulfate reduction. Marine Ecology Progress Series 102: 199–204.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hargrave, B.T., M. Holmer, and C.P. Newcombe. 2008. Towards a classification of organic enrichment in marine sediments based on biogeochemical indicators. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56: 810–824.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heijs, S.K., and H. van Gemerden. 2000. Microbial and environmental variables involved in the sulfide buffering capacity along a eutrophication gradient in a coastal lagoon (Bassin d’Arcachon, France). Hydrobiologia 437: 121–131.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heijs, S.K., R. Azzoni, G. Giordani, H.M. Jonkers, D. Nizzoli, P. Viaroli, and H. van Gemerden. 2000. Sulphide-induced release of phosphate from sediments of coastal lagoons and the possible relation to the disappearance of Ruppia sp. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 23: 85–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., and M.S. Frederiksen. 2007. Stimulation of sulfate reduction rates in Mediterranean fish farm sediments inhabited by the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Biogeochemistry 85: 169–184.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., and E. Kristensen. 1992. Impact of marine fish cage farming on metabolism and sulfate reduction of underlying. Marine Ecology Progress Series 80: 191–201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., and E. Kristensen. 1994. Coexistence of sulfate reduction and methane production in an organic-rich sediment. Marine Ecology Progress Series 107: 177–184.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., and E. Kristensen. 1996. Seasonality of sulfate reduction and pore water solutes an a marine farm sediment: The importance of temperature and sedimentary organic matter. Biogeochemistry 32: 15–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., and P. Storkholm. 2001. Sulphate reduction and sulphur cycling in lake sediments: a review. Freshwater Biology 46: 431–451.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., N. Marbà, J. Terrados, C.M. Duarte, and M.D. Fortes. 2002. Impact of milkfish (Chanos chanos) aquacolture on carbon and nutrient fluxes in the Bolinao area, Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 685–696.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmer, M., C.M. Duarte, A. Heilskov, B. Olesen, and J. Terrados. 2003. Biogeochemical conditions in sediments enriched by organic matter from net-pen farms in the Bolinao area, Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin 46: 1470–1479.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen, B.B. 1982. Mineralization of organic matter in the sea bed- the role of sulphate reduction. Nature 296: 643–645.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joye, S.B., and J.T. Hollibaugh. 1995. Influence of sulfide inhibition of nitrification on nitrogen regeneration in sediments. Science 270: 623–625.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kennish, M.J., and H.W. Paerl. 2010. Coastal lagoons: critical habitats of environmental changes. In Coastal lagoons, critical habitats of environmental change, ed. M.J. Kennish and H.W. Paerl, 1–16. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen, E. 2000. Organic matter diagenesis at the oxic//anoxic interface in coastal marine sediments, with emphasis on the role of burrowing animals”. Hydrobiologia 426: 1–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen, E., J. Bodenbender, M.H. Jensen, H. Rennenberg, and K.M. Jensen. 2000. Sulfur cycling of intertidal Wadden Sea sediments (Konigshafen, Island of Sylt, Germany): sulfate reduction and sulfur gas emission. Journal of Sea Research 43: 93–104.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lam, P., G. Lavik, M.M. Jensen, J. van de Vossenberg, M. Schmid, D. Woebken, D. Gutiérrez, R. Amann, M.R.M. Jetten, and M.M.M. Kuypers. 2009. Revising the nitrogen cycle in the peruvian oxygen minimum zone. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 106(12): 4752–4757.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lovley, D.R., and E.J.P. Phillips. 1987. Rapid assay for reducible ferric iron in aquatic sediments. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 53: 1536–1540.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magni, P., D. Tagliapietra, C. Lardicci, L. Balthis, A. Castelli, S. Como, G. Frangipane, G. Giordani, J. Hyland, F. Maltagliati, G. Pessa, A. Rismondo, M. Tataranni, P. Tomassetti, and P. Viaroli. 2009. Animal-sediment relationships: evaluating the ‘Pearson-Rosemberg paradigm’ in Mediterranean coastal lagoons. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 478–486.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marbá, N., M. Holmer, E. Gacia, and C. Barrón. 2006. Seagrass beds and coastal biogeochemistry. In Seagrasses: biology, ecology and conservation, ed. A.W.D. Larkum, R.J. Orth, and C.M. Duarte, 135–157. Dordrecht: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, D.A., S.W. Effler, C.T. Driscoll, S.M. O’Donnell, and C.M. Matthews. 2008. Electron budgets for the hypolimnion of a recovering urban lake, 1989–2004. Response to changes in organic carbon deposition and availability of electron acceptors. Limnology and Oceanography 53: 743–759.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGlathery, K.J., I.C. Anderson, and A.C. Tyler. 2001. Magnitude and variability of benthic and pelagic metabolism in a temperate coastal lagoon. Marine Ecology Progress Series 216: 1–15.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, B., D. Edward, B. Burton, and A.W. Rate. 2012. Iron monosulfide enrichment and the presence of organosulfur in eutrophic estuarine sediments. Chemical Geology 296–297: 119–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrisey, D.J., M.M. Gibbs, S.E. Pickmere, and R.G. Cole. 2000. Predicting impacts and recovery of marine-farm sites in Stewart Island, New Zealand, from the Findlay-Watling model. Aquaculture 185: 257–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newton, A., J. Icely, S. Cristina, A. Brito, C. Cardoso, F. Colijn, S.D. Riva, F. Gertz, J. Hansen, M. Holmer, K. Ivanova, E. Leppäkoski, C. Mocenni, S. Mudge, N. Murray, M. Pejrup, A. Razinkovas, S. Reizopoulou, A. Pérez-Ruzafa, G. Schernewski, H. Schubert, L. Seeram, C. Solidoro, P. Viaroli, and J.-M. Zaldívar. 2014. An overview of ecological status, vulnerability and future perspectives of European large shallow, semi-enclosed coastal systems, lagoons and transitional waters. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 140: 95–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, L.P. 1992. Denitrification in sediments determined from nitrogen isotope pairing. Microbial Ecology 86: 357–366.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nizzoli, D., D.T. Welsh, M. Bartoli, and P. Viaroli. 2005. Impact of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farming on oxygen consumption and nutrient recycling in a eutrophic coastal lagoon. Hydrobiologia 550: 183–198.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nizzoli, D., D.T. Welsh, E.A. Fano, and P. Viaroli. 2006. Impact of clam and mussel farming on benthic metabolism and nitrogen cycling, with emphasis on nitrate reduction pathways. Marine Ecology Progress Series 315: 151–165.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ogilvie, B.G., M. Rutter, and D.B. Nedwell. 1997. Selection by temperature of nitrate-reducing bacteria from estuarine sediments: species composition and competition for nitrate. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 23: 11–22.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perin, G., M. Bonardi, R. Fabris, B. Simoncini, S. Manente, L. Tosi, and S. Scotto. 1997. Heavy metal pollution in central Venice lagoon Bottom sediments: evaluation of the metal bioavailability by geochemical speciation procedure. Environmental Technology 18: 593–604.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Piña-Ochoa, E., and M. Álvarez-Cobelas. 2006. Denitrification in aquatic environments: a cross-system analysis. Biogeochemistry 81: 111–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen, H., and B. Jørgensen. 1992. Microelectrode studies of seasonal oxygen uptake in a coastal sediment: role of molecular diffusion. Marine Ecology Progress Series 81: 289–303.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rickard, D., and J.W. Morse. 2005. Acid volatile sulphide (AVS). Marine Chemistry 97: 141–197.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Risgaard-Petersen, N., and S. Rysgaard. 1995. Nitrate reduction in sediments and waterlogged soil measured by 15 N techniques. In Methods in applied soil microbiology, ed. K. Alef and P. Nannipieri, 287–310. London: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Risgaard-Petersen, N., Nielsen, L.P., Rysgaard, S., Dalsgaard, T., and R.L. Meyer. 2003. Application of the isotope pairing technique in sediments where anammox and denitrification coexist. Limnology and Oceanography – Methods 1: 63–73.

  • Robador, A., V. Brüchert, and B.B. Jørgensen. 2009. The impact of temperature change on the activity and community composition of sulfate-reducing bacteria in arctic versus temperate marine sediments. Environmental Microbiology 11: 1692–1703.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, K.L., V.M. Eate, B.D. Eyre, D.P. Holland, and P.L.M. Cook. 2012. Hypoxic events stimulate nitrogen recycling in a shallow salt-wedge estuary: the Yarra River estuary, Australia. Limnology and Oceanography 57: 1427–1442.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rozan, T.F., M. Taillefert, R.E. Trouwborst, B.T. Glazer, S. Ma, J. Herszage, L.M. Valdes, K.S. Price, and G.W. Luther III. 2002. Iron-sulfur-phosphorus cycling in the sediments of a shallow coastal bay: implications for sediment release and benthic macroalgal blooms. Limnology and Oceanography 47(5): 1346–1354.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanz-Lazaro, C., T. Valdemarsen, A. Marin, and M. Holmer. 2011. Effect of temperature on biogeochemistry of marine organic-enriched systems: implications in a global warming scenario. Ecological Applications 21(7): 2664–2677.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sayama, M., N. Risgaard-Petersen, L.P. Nielsen, H. Fossing, and P.B. Christensen. 2005. Impact of bacterial NO3 − transport on sediment biogeochemistry. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 71: 7575–7577.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schippers, A., and B.B. Jørgensen. 2002. Biogeochemistry of pyrite and iron sulfide oxidation in marine sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 66(1): 85–92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sloth, N.P., T.H. Blackburn, L.S. Hansen, N. Risgaard-Petersen, and B.A. Lomstein. 1995. Nitrogen cycling in sediments with different organic loading. Marine Ecology Progress Series 116: 163–170.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soetaert, K., J.J. Middelburg, P.M.J. Herman, and K. Buis. 2000. On the coupling of benthic and pelagic biogeochemical models. Earth-Science Reviews 51: 173–201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sokal, R.R., and F.J. Rohlf. 1995. Biometry: the principles and practice of statistics in biological research, 3rd ed. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solidoro, C., G. Cossarini, S. Libralato, and S. Salon. 2010. Remarks on the redefinition of system boundaries and model parameterization for downscaling experiments. Progress in Oceanography 84: 134–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sundby, B., C. Gobeil, N. Silvenberg, and A. Mucci. 1992. The phosphorus cycling in coastal marine sediments. Limnology and Oceanography 37(6): 1129–1145.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svensson, J.M., G.M. Carrer, and M. Bocci. 2000. Nitrogen cycling in sediments of the lagoon of Venice, Italy. Marine Ecology Progress Series 199: 1–11.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sweerts, J.P.R.A., D.D. Beer, L.P. Nielsen, H. Verdouw, J.C.V. den Heuvel, Y. Cohen, and T.E. Cappenberg. 1990. Denitrification by sulfur oxidizing Beggiatoa spp. mats on freshwater sediments. Nature 344(6268): 762–763.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Talling, J.F. 1973. The application of some electrochemical methods to the measurements of photosynthesis and respiration in fresh water. Freshwater Biology 3: 335–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiedje, J.M. 1988. Ecology of denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. In Biology of Anaerobic Microorganisms, ed. Zehnder A.J.B., 179–244., New York: Wiley and Sons.

  • Valdemarsen, T., E. Kristensen, and M. Holmer. 2009. Metabolic threshold and sulfide-buffering in diffusion controlled marine sediments impacted by continuous organic enrichment. Biogeochemistry 95: 335–353.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Valdemarsen, T., R.J. Bannister, P.K. Hansen, M. Holmer, and A. Ervik. 2012. Biogeochemica malfunctioning in sediments beneath a deep-water fish farm. Environmental Pollution 170: 15–25.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Valderrama, J.C. 1977. Methods used by the Hydrographic Department of National Board of Fisheries, Sweden. In Report of the Baltic Intercalibraton Workshop. Annex, Interim Commission for the Protection of the Environment of the Baltic Sea, ed. K. Grasshof, 13–40.

  • Viaroli, P., R. Azzoni, M. Bartoli, G. Giordani, M. Naldi, and D. Nizzoli. 2010. Primary productivity, biogeochemical buffers and factors controlling trophic status and ecosystem processes in Mediterranean coastal lagoons: A synthesis. Advances in Oceanography and Limnology 1: 271–293.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zonta, R., L. Zaggia, F. Collavini, F. Costa, and M. Scattolin. 2005. Sediment contamination assessment of the Venice canal network (Italy). In Flooding and environmental challenges for venice and its lagoon: state of knowledge, ed. C.A. Fletcher and T. Spencer, 603–615. Cambridge: University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted with Drs. Roberta Carafa, Daniele Longhi, and Giulio Poiana for assistance during sampling activities. This study was supported by the research subcontract “Experimental studies of the metabolism of the canals of Venice,” within the INSULA SpA project directed by Prof. Antonio Marcomini (Department of Environmental Sciences, University Ca’ Foscari of Venice). We thank Prof. Iris Anderson for suggestions and comments to the early version of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11A, 43124, Parma, Italy

    R. Azzoni, D. Nizzoli, M. Bartoli & P. Viaroli

  2. Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA

    R. R. Christian

  3. CNR-ISMAR, Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venezia, Italy

    P. Viaroli

Authors
  1. R. Azzoni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. Nizzoli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. Bartoli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. R. Christian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. P. Viaroli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Nizzoli.

Additional information

Communicated by Bradley Eyre

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Azzoni, R., Nizzoli, D., Bartoli, M. et al. Factors Controlling Benthic Biogeochemistry in Urbanized Coastal Systems: an Example from Venice (Italy). Estuaries and Coasts 38, 1016–1031 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-014-9882-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-014-9882-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation