Abstract
Floating wetland islands (FWI) are considered nature-based solutions with great potential to promote several ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and water quality enhancement through phytoremediation processes. To our knowledge, the present work is the first to scientifically document the in-situ establishment of an FWI in a seawater port marina. The establishment and performance of a cork floating platform with a polyculture (Sarcocornia perennis, Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis, Halimione portulacoides, Spartina maritima, Limonium vulgare) was evaluated. The diversity of organisms present in the FWI was undertaken based on the macrofauna assessment, taking into consideration marine water characterization, with a focus on hydrocarbons. Microbial communities were assessed based on metabarcoding approach to study 16S rRNA gene from environmental DNA retrieved from biofilm (from the planting media), marine biofouling (from the submerged platform) and surface marina water. S. perennis was the species with the highest survival rate and growth. The structure of the microbial community showed clear differences between those established in the FWI and those in the surrounding water, showing the presence of some bacterial groups that can be relevant for bioremediation processes (e.g., Saprospiraceae family). Concerning the macrofauna analysis, Mytilus sp. was the predominant taxa. To be of relevance, total petroleum hydrocarbons were detected at the marina up to ca. 6 mg/L. This study gives new insights into broadening FWI application to the saline environments of port marinas and to supporting a management strategy to promote several ecosystem services such biodiversity, species habitat, water quality enhancement and added aesthetic value to the marina landscape.
Highlights
Coastal zones—such as those in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA—are suffering urban expansion to an extent that more than 50% of the shoreline is transformed by engineering
The Floating wetland islands (FWI) platform chosen for this study was made of cork, a natural material, with a negative carbon footprint considering that the cork sector is a net carbon sink, since along the entire life cycle more carbon is sequestered than emitted, having the potential to mitigate climate change [30]
Successive colonization was observed on the floating platform by marine macrofauna (Figure 4)
Summary
Coastal zones—such as those in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA—are suffering urban expansion to an extent that more than 50% of the shoreline is transformed by engineering. Marinas and harbors or ports are among the man-made structures that support maritime activities [1]. These sites may be characterized based on their location, structure, capacity, hydrology, and associated activities. The presence of pollutants within harbors and marinas affects the composition and function of microbial communities in water and sediments [2], as well as the macrofauna [4]. These artificial structures have an impact on the original environmental conditions and in the faunal communities [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
