Metal fluxes to the sediments of the northern Venice Lagoon

Eighteen short cores were analyzed for major and trace metals (Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn, Si, K, Ti, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr), ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, and other sediment characteristics, so as to describe the chronology of pollution and calculate metal concentration factors and fluxes. Substantial evidence was found that trace metal profiles are influenced by anthropogenic sources and by changes in sediment composition. Only Zn presents concentrations (up to 13.1 μmol g⁻) and concentration factors (1.3 to 13.2) that can be attributed to heavy contamination. Pb, Cu and Ni, in this order, are less significant. The areal distribution of concentrations and inventories reflects the importance of direct sources, in particular the industrial area of Porto Marghera and the Dese river. The inventories of excess metals, above pre-industrial levels, were determined for each core and the three different parts of the study area, the amounts of Zn accumulated in sediments are 11.0 Mmol, 5.1 Mmol and 0.37 Mmol in the Campalto, S. Erasmo, and Palude di Cona areas, respectively. Ruxes were also calculated and compared with those suggested for the atmospheric delivery by Cochran et al. [(1995)b. Atmospheric fluxes of heavy metal contaminants to the Venice Lagoon, Rapp. Comm. Int. Mer Médit., 34, 136.], the atmospheric contribution is predominant or significant in many cases, especially at sites far from the major local inputs. Concentrations and fluxes show a significant increase in the anthropogenic metal supply starting from the second decade of this century, with maximum inputs in the period between the (1930)s and the (1970)s. At some stations a decrease in heavy metal contamination of surficial sediments was found and this could be ascribed to a reduced input of pollutants in recent years.     

Relationships between macroalgal biomass and nutrient concentrations in a hypertrophic area of the Venice Lagoon

Macroalgae biomass and concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and chlorophyll a were determined weekly or biweekly in water and sediments, during the spring-summer of 1985 in a hypertrophic area of the lagoon of Venice. Remarkable biomass production (up to 286 g m⁻² day⁻¹, wet weight), was interrupted during three periods of anoxia, when macroalgal decomposition (rate: up to 1000 g m⁻² day⁻¹) released extraordinary amounts of nutrients. Depending on the macroalgae distribution in the water column, the nutrients released in water varied from 3·3 to 19·1 μg-at litre⁻¹ for total inorganic nitrogen and from 1·8 to 2·7 μg-at litre⁻¹ for reactive phosphorus. Most nutrients, however, accumulated in the surficial sediment (up to 0·640 and to 3·06 mg g⁻¹ for P and N respectively) redoubling the amounts already stored under aerobic conditions, Phytoplankton, systematically below 5 mg m⁻³ as Chl. a, sharply increased up to 100 mg m⁻³ only after the release of nutrients in water by anaerobic macroalgal decomposition. During the algal growth periods, the N:P atomic ratio in water decreased to 0·7, suggesting that nitrogen is a growth-limiting factor. This ratio for surficial sediment was between 6·6 and 13·1, similar to that of macroalgae (8·6–12·0).     

Surface current patterns in front of the Venice Lagoon

Surface patterns of the low-frequency current in a 20 × 30 km region in front of the Venice Lagoon were analysed from a 13-month-long HF radar data set. Surface circulation was related to prevalent wind regimes in the area and to the tidal flow through the lagoon inlet. Three different categories of wind-forcing were defined: bora (NE wind), sirocco (SE wind), and finally the category containing all other wind directions and calms (winds lower than 3 m/sec). Mean flow and vorticity spatial distributions were discussed for different wind conditions. The coastal area about 5 km wide is characterized by a flow field with maximum vorticity. Outside the coastal boundary layer the interior flow is part of the Adriatic basin-wide cyclonic circulation. Two counter-rotating vortices of the dimension of about 4–5 km were evidenced in the average flow field in front of the lagoon inlet (Malamocco inlet) in all situations except for the bora. The vortex-pair is probably associated with the tidal flow through the inlet. The bora wind induces a strong southward coastal jet detached from the coast by about 5 km homogenizing the flow and eliminating the dipole. The average coastal flow pattern in calm wind conditions was also analysed as a function of the strong inflow/outflow (currents in the inlet > 0.7 m s⁻¹) from the lagoon inlet. In both cases the vorticity pattern is similar, with the negative vorticity to the left of the inlet and positive to the right looking seaward.     

Structural dynamics of bacterioplankton assemblages in the Lagoon of Venice

In this study we examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of planktonic bacterial assemblages at four different sites in the Lagoon of Venice. Samples were collected in January, April, July and October 2005 and several parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, dissolved macronutrients, dissolved and particulate organic carbon, viral and heterotrophic nanoplanktonic abundances) were determined in order to highlight the most important factors which are implied in shaping such assemblages. Furthermore we tested the relationship between similar assemblages and the patterns of activities (prokaryotic carbon production and several hydrolytic activities) that they perform in order to establish if, in this highly variable environment, similar assemblages behave in analogous ways. Results indicate that seasonality act as the main forcing on the communities. Moreover, we found a mismatch between community structure and patterns of activity possibly as a consequence of the heterogeneity of the lagoon which can affect in turn the assemblages' metabolic requirements (and thus their responses).     

Copper complexation capacity in surface waters of the Venice Lagoon

Total copper (Cu(T)), copper ion activity (pCu) and the copper complexation capacity (CuCC) were determined in samples of seawater collected in July 2003 from the Venice Lagoon. Cu(T) and CuCC showed considerable spatial variability: Cu(T) ranged from 1.8 to 70.0nM, whereas the CuCC varied from 195 to 573nM. pCu values varied from 11.6 to 12.6 and are consistent with those previously reported in estuarine and coastal areas (10.9-14.1). The range of Cu(T) values compares well with those reported in the past in the lagoon and in the adjacent Adriatic Sea. The highest concentrations of Cu(T) were found in samples collected near the industrial area of Porto Marghera, whereas the lowest were measured near the Chioggia and Malamocco inlets, where an intense tidally-driven renewal of seawater takes place. Although CuCC showed a high degree of spatial variability, the values recorded in the Venice Lagoon are comparable to those reported in other estuarine systems. In addition, CuCC was positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), suggesting that organic ligands responsible for Cu complexation are part of the bulk organic matter pool in the lagoon. The CuCC:Cu(T) molar ratio was, on average 55:1, indicating that a large excess of complexation capacity exists in the Venice Lagoon. The high levels of CuCC and the narrow range of pCu indicates the importance of the role played by organic ligands in controlling the free ion Cu concentrations in the lagoon, and as a consequence, regulating its availability and/or toxicity.     

意大利威尼斯泻湖的环境演变与环境整治工程

意大利威尼斯泻湖是亚得里亚海西北部的一个大型浅水泻湖。１４世纪以来一系列人类整治开发活动,使泻湖由自然淤浅转变为侵蚀加深,典型泻湖环境向海湾海洋环境转变。本世纪以来港口和工业发展,加上海平面上升、陆地下沉、污染加重,使威尼斯及其泻湖面临风暴潮洪水加重和生态环境恶化的严重威胁。１９８４年以来实施一项总经费４５亿美元的挽救威尼斯及其泻湖的重大环境整治工程,包括建造口门活动闸门、加强海岸防护、重建泻湖盐沼和海草生态系,控制污染等,并已取得部分成果。     

Comparison Between the Energy Flow Networks of Two Habitats in the Venice Lagoon

Abstract. The energy flows of two habitats are quantified and compared by using a trophic network model. The habitats are representative of two typical subsystems of the Venice Lagoon: the seagrass meadows, which represent a mature stage in the ecological succession of lagoon environments, and the Tapes philippinarum fishing grounds, which are subjected to mechanical clam harvesting.
The results obtained for the 'seagrass habitat'are consistent with other field studies, confirming the'key-stone'role played by phanerogams in a lagoon environment. The results for the 'Tapes habitat'show that the energy flow from the sediment to the water column is extremely important. Indeed, the high T. philippinarum biomass cannot be supported solely by the primary production of the local phytoplankton. Instead, this biomass could be supported by a supply provided by the sediment resuspension caused by intensive clam fishing. These findings suggest the presence of a positive feedback between fishing effort and T. philippinarum standing crop.     

Changes in Venice Lagoon dynamics due to construction of mobile barriers

The MoSE project (construction of mobile barrier to safeguard the Lagoon of Venice) entails changes to the structure of the lagoon's inlets. This could have consequences for the areas near the inlets and for the dynamics of the lagoon ecosystem as a whole. In order to predict the effects of the proposed alterations on the hydrodynamics of the lagoon, a well-tested hydrodynamic-dispersion model was applied. Simulations were carried out considering both idealised and realistic tide and wind scenarios.     

Statistical and hydrodynamic models for the operational forecasting of floods in the Venice Lagoon

The risk of flooding in Venice has increased strongly since the beginning of the century. To reduce the damage to the city and the negative impact on the activities in the lagoon, an accurate flood warning system is necessary. This system will also be fundamental during the construction and for the efficient operation of storm surge barriers covering the three existing inlets of the lagoon. In this context new operational statistical and hydrodynamic models have been developed. Forecast winds and pressure fields which constitute basic information for the warning system have been obtained through an ad hoc Limited Area Meteorological model. It has been demonstrated that, provided that this information is available on an operational basis, the implementation of a flood warning system for Venice using the models developed is feasible. The statistical model, which is based on a multiple regression technique, extends the forecasting range of the model presently in operation at the Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree del Comune di Venezia, from 3 hrs up to 24 hrs, and presents good accuracy (estimated mean absolute errors smaller than 10 cm) for short-term forecasts up to 9 hrs. The hydrodynamic model includes all the physical processes important for the simulation of water levels and currents in coastal and marine environments. The model set-up adopted covers the entire Adriatic Sea, with a grid spacing of 6 km. Special attention has been given to the positioning of the open boundary and to the correct reproduction of the main free oscillation of the Adriatic, which is responsible for the possible recurrence of flooding after the main storm has passed. The inclusion of this model in a flood warning system is mainly intended for long-term forecasts (> 24 hrs), and can typically be used to forecast up to 3–4 days ahead, with an estimated mean absolute error smaller than 20 cm.     

意大利威尼斯泻湖的自然特性和水体循环

威尼斯泻湖位于意大利北部,亚得里亚海边,是意大利最大的泻湖,水面面积约550 km2,平均水深1.1 m.入湖的陆地流域1 877 km2,每年流入泻湖淡水约900 Mm3.泻湖通过3个潮流通道与海洋交换水体和能量;因此,它传统上被分成3个水下盆地,每1个水下盆地对应一个潮流通道,一个潮周期内大量海水流进流出,总量相当于泻湖总容量的三分之一(Ga(c)i (c)等,2004).淡水通过许多支流注入泻湖,携大量的营养物质,这些物质主要沉积在北部泻湖地区(Zonta等,2001).最重要的支流位于泻湖的北面,这个区域2001年曾接受了超过总量50%的沉积物.同样,在泻湖区,有一个巨大的工厂,是意大利最重要的工业区之一.这些工业区是意大利热量、淡水和营养的重要来源.     

Recent sea-level changes and related engineering problems in the Lagoon of Venice (Italy)

In the city of Venice, where the average altitude is only a few tens of centimetres, there has been a dangerous increase in the frequency of flooding during the past few decades.Since 1872, the average increase in flooding levels (“acqua alta”) has been about 40cm: 27cm of this is due to the local rise in mean sea-level (of which some 14cm are related to man-induced subsidence of land, and 3–7cm to geological factors), and at least 14cm are caused by hydrodynamical factors, of which about 10cm can be ascribed to man-induced tidal changes. These latter are due above all to the dredging of deep artificial channels, the reclamation of wide areas of tidal flats, and the diking of fish ponds (“valli”), which have changed the ratio between the surface of the lagoon and that of the inlets. Since the latest modification (1963–1969), the lagoon has been open to large oil tankers, thereby allowing an easier entry of storm surges arising out at sea.Indeed an incompatibility exists between the accessibility of very large boats to the lagoon and the safeguard of Venice. Several engineering projects have been proposed with a view to improving the present critical situation. These projects include underground injections to raise the islands, the construction of new embankments, a reduction in the size of the passes, new access to wide areas for the tide, and the construction of flood gates at the passes. The reliability and effects of these projects are analysed and discussed.In conclusion, the removal of the oil terminal from the lagoon and a stricter control of water pollution are considered the most urgent preliminary actions for a long term solution of the flooding problem. This would enable a decrease in the exchanges between the lagoon and the sea, without, however, reducing the depth of the navigation channels to levels inconsistent with most of the present non-oil traffic. A final measure would be the construction of mobile gates at the passes which would permanently protect the lagoon against flooding.The solution put forward here differs however from the project proposed by a group of experts appointed by the Italian government, which aims at keeping the oil terminal inside the lagoon, thus maintaining the navigation channels at depths which increase hydrodynamic effects and make any sedimetological equilibrium in the lagoon impossible.     

Dissolved nutrient fluxes from the nearshore sediments of Bowling Green Bay,central Great Barrier Reef Lagoon (Australia)

The fluxes of dissolved inorganic N, P, and Si from the nearshore sediments of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon are significantly lower than those reported from sediments in temperate regions at similar temperatures. The directly measured fluxes range from −23 to +28, −154 to +890, and −990 to +1750 μmol m⁻² day⁻¹ for PO₄³⁻, ΣN(=NH₄⁺ + NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻) and Si, respectively. Estimates suggest that sediments are the major source of dissolved N to near-shore waters of the Lagoon greatly exceeding the dissolved flux from rivers. Resuspension of up to 1 cm of sediment during storms would have a very small effect on the PO₄³⁻ or Si(OH)₄ concentration of the overlying water, but would significantly raise the ΣN concentration. The productivity of these waters may be controlled at various times by the balance between the steady-state sedimentary flux of nutrients, the fluvial input, and storm resuspension.     

Life cycle of Marphysa sanguinea (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) in the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

The life cycle of a brackish water population of Marphysa sanguinea (Polychaeta Eunicidae), from the Venice Lagoon (Italy), was investigated from April 1993 to August 1994. Marphysa sanguinea is a large‐sized gonochoric species with annual iteroparous strategy and synchronous spawning at population level. The sex‐ratio was close to 1:1. There were no morphological differences between males and females and spawning occurred without epitokal metamorphosis. The gonadial activity was maximum during summer period in both sexes. From May to September in the females, the greater number of immature oocytes could be observed; starting from November immature oocytes decreased and progressively those with a wider diameter increased in number. Spawning took place in April–May and generally not all eggs were spawned, a small proportion being kept as a reserve material for the following gamete production. The pelagic phase (trochophore and metatrochophore stages) was short (2–3 days). The reduction in the dispersal phase, together with the development of a strong anterior musculature, brought to an early acquisition of the benthic habit, which was attained with the construction of the mucous tube inside of which the larva lived. The results highlighted that colonization of brackish environments took place thanks to morphological and physiological features that allow this species to live in a sediment layer characterized by the stability of the physical and chemical characteristics of the substratum.     

Dietary nutrient status modulates nutrient regeneration in the marine ciliate Euplotes vannus

Marine ciliates play important roles not only in linking the microbial loop to the classic pelagic and benthic food chains but also in regenerating nutrients, yet how dietary nutrient imbalance impacts their nutrient regeneration has not been thoroughly addressed. The growth and physiological responses of Euplotes vannus to low dietary nitrogen(LN) and low dietary phosphorus(LP) conditions were studied, with the bacterium Pseudomonas putida as prey. Feeding on LN prey reduced the growth rate of ...     

Spatial and temporal variation of biomarkers in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Lagoon of Venice, Italy

A multiple biomarker approach was adopted in a seasonal study carried out in the Lagoon of Venice, with the double aim of evaluating the natural and anthropic stresses influencing the biological responses of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and of assessing the effects due to spatial rather than temporal variations. Biochemical (aldehyde dehydrogenase and catalase activities), cellular (neutral red retention time) and physiological (survival in air and condition index) biomarkers were determined in mussels collected in four differently impacted lagoon areas. Multivariate analysis showed that samples were distributed mainly according to temperature and four seasonal groups were identified. The combination of spatial and temporal information enabled us to distinguish physiological variations due to natural causes from those due to anthropic stress, and to identify the sampling period when several biomarkers are less influenced by both natural and endogenous factors.     

几种海洋微藻的碱性磷酸酶性质初步研究

对5种海洋微藻产生的碱性磷酸酶的性质进行了初步研究并确定了碱性磷酸酶的测定条件。结果表明,在pH 8.2的环境中,各藻产生的碱性磷酸酶最佳反应温度在40~50℃内,且存在一定差异;40℃下酶促反应恒速时间及米氏常数也有所不同,酶活恒速时间顺序为东海原甲藻(Prorocentrum donghaiense)<强壮前沟藻(Amphidinium carterae)<旋链角毛藻(Chaetoceros curvisetus)<中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)<塔玛亚历山大藻(Al-exandrium tamarense);米氏常数大小顺序为塔玛亚历山大藻<东海原甲藻<中肋骨条藻<强壮前沟藻<旋链角毛藻。碱性磷酸酶测定条件为:温度40℃,反应时间90 min,底物浓度260μmol/L。     

僧帽牡蛎碱性磷酸酶性质的研究

从僧帽牡蛎分离纯化出一种碱性磷酸酶,采用Sephadex G-200凝胶过滤柱层析法测得该酶分子量为1.57×10~5.以对硝基苯磷酸为底物,该酶的最适温度为43℃,最适pH值为10.0.在37℃和pH值为10.0的条件下,酶催化反应的米氏常数(K_m)为9.68×10~(-4)mol/dm~3,活化能(E_a)为45.85kJ/mol,温度系数(Q_(10))为1.80(30～40℃).对该酶的热稳定性研究表明:其在45℃以下较为稳定,50℃以上明显失活,并测定了该酶的热失活速度常数.金属离子对酶活力的效应研究结果表明:Mg~(2+)、Mn~(2+)、Ca~(2+)、Co~(2+)对酶有激活作用,Ag~+、Hg~(2+)、Zn~(2+)表现为抑制作用,Cd~(2+)几乎没有影响.Mg~(2+)是较有效的激活剂,表现为部分非竞争性效应,激活常数(K_a)为2.48×10~(-4)mol/dm~3,有Mg~(2+)存在时该酶活性中心的转换数量是无Mg~(2+)时的4.0倍.几种效应物对酶的抑制机理研究表明:HPO_4~(2-)、HAsO_4~(2-)、Cys为竞争性,其抑制常数分别为1.61、1.18和0.15mmol/dm~3;L-Phe为反竞争性,抑制常数为3.26mmol/dm~3.     

Effect of dissolved phosphorus on alkaline phosphatase activity in marine microalgae

I~IOXThe alkaline phOSPhataSe (AP) has been more and more studied following the study of thephosphorus limitation (Suttle and Harrision, 1988; Hu et al., 1989; Huang et al., 1996). PeOple used to take dissolved inorganic phOSphorus (DIP) level and uptake rate by algae as phosphOrus limitation indicators (Vera and Petterson 1992; Huang and HOng, 1994). But recent resultsindicate that diSSOlved organic phosphorus (DOP) and particulate organic phOSphorus (PP) couldalso be utilized b…