Abstract
Transitional water environments represent very ecologically interesting areas, which provide various ecosystem services, both concerning biodiversity protection and sustainable fruition of resources. In this way, the evaluation of total carbon and its components, chlorophyll, and chemical and physical parameters is of fundamental importance to deepen the dynamics of these peculiar natural areas. Commercial interests linked to the biological resources of these areas are often not well exploited in relation to their sustainability, due to lack of knowledge. In this study, we investigated the distribution of total organic carbon, chlorophyll, and other related physical and chemical parameters in the natural Lagoon of Capo Peloro (Eastern Sicily), to deepen the knowledge on the carbon equilibrium of these transitional basins. Collected data showed different trends for all parameters, mainly related to different seasons and water exchanges with sea. The influences of primary production sources and farmed molluscs were not negligible and deserve to be further investigated in the future. The results obtained reveal good margins for the possibility of environmentally sustainable exploitation of natural resources in both basins, but at the same time, there is a need for a more detailed knowledge of anthropogenic impacts on the area.
Highlights
Transitional water environments represent the natural, physical, and functional transition between terrestrial ecosystems and the sea [1,2,3]
We investigated the distribution of total organic carbon, chlorophyll, and other related physical and chemical parameters in the natural Lagoon of Capo Peloro (Eastern Sicily), to deepen the knowledge on the carbon equilibrium of these transitional basins
Key water chemistry and physical parameters were investigated along the sampling stations with carbon parameters
Summary
Transitional water environments represent the natural, physical, and functional transition between terrestrial ecosystems and the sea [1,2,3]. These peculiar areas are often very productive and unique ecosystems around which many human commercial activities revolve [2,4,5]. Data collection on chemical equilibria in these transitional ecosystems is of fundamental importance to understand the dynamics between abiotic and biotic compartments. Among the chemical elements present in the aquatic environment, carbon certainly plays a major role in the ecosystems balance [13]. Carbon can be present in water both in inorganic form (carbonates, bicarbonates, and carbon dioxide) and in organic compounds that are distributed between dissolved and suspended phases [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
