Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Distribution and production of macrophytes and phytoplankton in the lagoon of Venice: comparison of actual and past situation

  • Lagoons and Coastal Wetlands
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper aims at comparing inedited maps of macrophytes and phytoplankton distribution in the lagoon of Venice in 1980 and 2003. The macrophyte distribution is displayed with reference to different biomass intervals which allow the calculation of the occupied surface, standing crop (SC), net (NPP) and gross (GPP) production. In 1980 the total macroalgal SC was ca. 841 ktonnes whereas the annual NPP and GPP were estimated to be ca. 2912 and 18498 ktonnes, respectively. In 2003 macroalgae displayed a marked regression and the SC, NPP and GPP decreased to ca. 89, 471 and 2336 ktonnes. Maps of the seagrass distribution date back to 1990 but their biomass and production have been quantified only in 2003. On the whole, in 2003, on a surface of ca. 56 km² the three species living in the lagoon accounted for a SC and a NPP of ca. 209 and 821 ktonnes, whereas the GPP estimated according to literature was about twice as high as the NPP. Cymodocea nodosa was the most abundant phanerogam in the lagoon. Its SC was higher than the total of the macroalgae, although the latter were more productive. Zostera marina covered the highest surface in the lagoon but its biomass and production were a little lower than that of C. nodosa. Nanozostera noltii, which was common and widespread in the past, displayed an evident regression trend which was mainly due to the increase of the water turbidity and the disruptions of its habitat. Similarly, phytoplankton, underwent a descending trend, although data quoted in the present paper display its distribution only in the summer period.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • G. Caniglia S. Borella D. Curiel P. Nascimbeni A. F. Paloschi A. Rispondo F. Scarton D. Tagliapietra L. Zanella (1992) ArticleTitleDistribution of the marine phanerogams [Zostera marina L., Zostera noltii Hornem., Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Asch.] in the Venice lagoon (in italian) Lavori- Società Veneta di Scienze Naturali 17 137–150

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Castel P. Caumette R. Herbert (1996) ArticleTitleEutrophication gradients in coastal lagoons as exemplified by the bassin d’Arcachon and the Etang du Prévost Hydrobiologia 329 9–28 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00034542

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • P. Cesari M. Pellizzato (1985) ArticleTitleVoluntary or accidental anthropic introduction of molluscs in the Venice lagoon. Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale and Roughely, 1933) and Tapes philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) acclimatization (in italian) Bollettino Malacologico 21 237–274

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Curiel A. Rismondo G. Bellemo (1999) ArticleTitleFlowering of Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson in the Venice lagoon (in Italian) Lavori–Società Veneta di Scienze Naturali 24 133–134

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Curiel A. Rismondo G. Bellemo M. Marzocchi (2004) ArticleTitleMacroalgal biomass and species variations in the Lagoon of Venice (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) Scientia Marina 68 1981–1998

    Google Scholar 

  • Dennison, W. C. 1990a. Seagrass research methods. In Phillips, R. C. & C. P. McRoy (eds), Leaf production. Unesco, Imprimerie de la Manutention, Mayenne, France, 77–79.

  • W. C. Dennison (1990b) Seagrass research methods R. C. Phillips C. P. McRoy (Eds) Rhizome-root production Unesco, Imprimerie de la Manutention Mayenne, France 81–82

    Google Scholar 

  • C. Facca A. Sfriso G. Socal (2002a) ArticleTitleChanges in abundance and composition of phytoplankton and microphytobenthos due to increased sediment fluxes in the Venice lagoon, Italy Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 54 773–792 Occurrence Handle10.1006/ecss.2001.0848 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XkvFeitr8%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Facca A. Sfriso G. Socal (2002b) ArticleTitleTemporal and spatial distribution of diatoms in the surface sediment of the central part of the Venice Lagoon Botanica Marina 45 170–183 Occurrence Handle10.1515/BOT.2002.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. W. D. Larkum A. J. McComb S. A. Shepherd (1989) Biology of Seagrasses Elsevier Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzen C. J., 1967. Determination of chlorophyll in sea water. UNESCO Technical Paper on Marine Sciences, 35–120.

  • P. Morand A. Briand (1996) ArticleTitleExcessive growth of macroalgae: A symptom of environmental disturbance Botanica Marina 39 491–516 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK28XnsVSit7s%3D Occurrence Handle10.1515/botm.1996.39.1-6.491

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Orel V. Boatto A. Sfriso M. Pellizzato (2000) Fishing sources management plan for the lagoons of the Venice province (in italian) Province of Venice Venice

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Pavoni M. Caliceti L. Sperni A. Sfriso (2003) ArticleTitleOrganic micropollutants (PAHs, PCBs, Pesticides) in seaweeds of the lagoon of Venice Oceanologica Acta 26 585–596 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0399-1784(03)00052-5 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXos1Olurc%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R. C. Phillips C. P. McRoy (1980) Handbook of Seagrass Biology: An Ecosystem Perspective Garland STPM Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Philippart, C. J. M., 1994. Eurtrophication as a possible cause of decline in the seagrass Zostera noltii of the Dutch Wadden Sea. Thesis Wageningen, Koninklijke bibliotheek, Den Haag.

  • D. G. Raffaelli J. A. Raven L. J. Poole (1998) ArticleTitleEcological impact of green macroalgal blooms Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Review 36 97–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Rismondo, A., D. Curiel, F. Scarton, D. Mion & G. Caniglia, 2003. A new seagrass map for the Venice lagoon. In Özhan, E. (ed.), Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on the Mediterranean Coastal Environment, MEDCOAST 03, Ravenna, Italy.

  • Rijstenbil, J. W. & S. Haritonidis, 1993. Macroalgae, eutrophication and trace metal cycling in estuaries and lagoons. Symposium Proceedings Sub Group III, Action COST−48 (Aquatic Primary Biomass-Marine Macroalgae). Commission of the European Communities. BRIDGE, Brussels.

  • W. Schramm P. N. Nienhuis (1996) Marine Benthic Vegetation, Ecological Studies Springer Verlag Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • T. Secco F. Pellizzato A. Sfriso B. Pavoni (2005) ArticleTitleThe changing state of contamination in the lagoon of Venice. Part 1. Organic pollutants Chemosphere 58 279–290 Occurrence Handle15581931 Occurrence Handle10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.06.030 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhtVCgtrnF

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso (1987) ArticleTitleFlora and vertical distribution of macroalgae in the lagoon of Venice: a comparison with previous studies Giornale Botanico Italiano 121 69–85

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso B. Pavoni A. Marcomini A. A. Orio (1988) ArticleTitleAnnual variation of nutrients in the lagoon of Venice Marine Pollution Bulletin 19 54–60 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0025-326X(88)90780-1 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaL1cXhsleiu78%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso S. Raccanelli B. Pavoni A. Marcomini (1991) ArticleTitleSampling strategies for measuring macroalgal biomass in the shallow waters of the Venice lagoon Environmental Technology 12 263–269 Occurrence Handle10.1080/09593339109385004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso A. Marcomini B. Pavoni A. A. Orio (1993) ArticleTitleSpecies composition, biomass and net primary production in coastal shallow waters: the Venice lagoon Bioresource Technology 44 235–250 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0960-8524(93)90158-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso A. Marcomini (1994) ArticleTitleGross primary production and nutrient behaviours in shallow lagoon waters Bioresource Technology 47 59–66 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0960-8524(94)90029-9 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXjtVKrt78%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso (1995) ArticleTitleTemporal and spatial responses of Ulva rigida C. Ag. growth to environmental and tissue concentrations of nutrients in the lagoon of Venice Botanica Marina 38 557–573

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso P. F. Ghetti (1998) ArticleTitleSeasonal variation in the biomass, morphometric parameters and production of rhizophytes in the lagoon of Venice Aquatic Botany 61 207–223 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0304-3770(98)00064-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Sfriso C. Facca P. F. Ghetti (2003) ArticleTitleTemporal and spatial changes of macroalgae and phytoplankton in shallow coastal areas: the Venice lagoon as a study case Marine Environmental Research 56 617–636 Occurrence Handle12927742 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0141-1136(03)00046-1 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmsVGqs7o%3D

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sfriso, A., C. Facca & S. Ceoldo, 2004. Growth and production of Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson in the Venice lagoon. In Campostrini, P. (ed.), Scientific Research and Safeguarding of Venice. CoRiLa. Research Programme 2001–2003. 2002 Results. Venice, 229–236.

  • A. Sfriso B. Rocca ParticleLa (2005) ArticleTitleMacroalgal taxa updating in littorals and shallow bottoms of the Venice lagoon (in italian) Lavori–Società Veneta di Scienze Naturali 30 45–58

    Google Scholar 

  • A. Solazzi G. Orel E. Chiozzotto M. Scattolin D. Curiel F. Grim F. Aleffi D. Piero ParticleDel P. Vatta (1991) The seaweeds of the Venice lagoon (in italian) Arsenale Editrice Venice

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Thorne-Miller M. M. Harlin (1984) ArticleTitleThe production of Zostera marina L. and other submerged macrophytes in a coastal lagoon in Rhode Island U.S.A. Botanica Marina 27 539–546 Occurrence Handle10.1515/botm.1984.27.12.539

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • I. Valiela J. McLelland J. Hauxwell P. J. Behr D. Hersh K. Foreman (1997) ArticleTitleMacroalgal blooms in shallow estuaries: controls and ecophysiological and ecosystem consequences Limnology and Oceanography 42 1105–1118 Occurrence Handle10.4319/lo.1997.42.5_part_2.1105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • P. Viaroli R. Azzoni M. Bartoli G. Giordani L. Tajè (2001) Evolution of the Trophic Conditions and Dystrophic Outbreaks in the Sacca di Goro Lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea) F. M. Faranda L. Guglielmo G. Spezie (Eds) Mediterranean Ecosystems Structure and Processes. Springer Verlag Italia Milano 467–475

    Google Scholar 

  • P. Viaroli R. R. Christian (2004) ArticleTitleDescription of trophic status, hyperautotrophy and dystrophy of a coastal lagoon through a potential oxygen production and consumption index-TOSI: Trophic Oxygen Status Index Ecological Indicators 3 237–250 Occurrence Handle10.1016/j.ecolind.2003.11.001 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhs1Omtb0%3D

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. M. Zaldívar E. Cattaneo M. Plus C. N. Murray G. Giordani P. Viaroli (2003) ArticleTitleLong-term simulation of main biogeochemical events in a coastal lagoon: Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Coast, Italy) Continental Shelf Research 23 1847–1875 Occurrence Handle10.1016/j.csr.2003.01.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice, Calle Larga Santa Marta 2137, 30123, Venice, Italy

    Adriano Sfriso & Chiara Facca

Authors
  1. Adriano Sfriso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chiara Facca
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adriano Sfriso.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sfriso, A., Facca, C. Distribution and production of macrophytes and phytoplankton in the lagoon of Venice: comparison of actual and past situation. Hydrobiologia 577, 71–85 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0418-3

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0418-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation