Long-term data series (1971–2015) of physical and biogeochemical parameters were analyzed in order to assess trends and variability of oceanographic conditions in the northern Adriatic Sea (NAS), a ...mid-latitude shallow continental shelf strongly impacted by river discharges, human activities and climate changes. Interpolation maps and statistical models were applied to investigate seasonal and spatial variability, as well as decadal trends of temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and nutrients. This analysis shows that sea surface temperature increased by +0.36% year−1 over four decades. Annual mean flow of the Po River markedly changed due to the occurrence of periods of persistent drought, whereas the frequency of flow rates higher than 3000 m3 s−1 decreased between 2006 and 2015. Moreover, we observed a long-term decrease in surface phosphate concentrations in Po River water (−1.34% year−1) and in seawater (in summer −2.56% year−1) coupled, however, to a significant increase in nitrate concentration in seawater (+3.80% year−1) in almost all seasons. These changes indicate that the nutrient concentrations in the NAS have been largely modulated, in the last forty years, by the evolution of environmental management practices and of the runoff. This implies that further alteration of the marine environment must be expected as a consequence of the climate changes.
This two-year study evaluates the effects of new management strategies directed at helping the recovery of Adriatic cuttlefish populations. The ability of three specially developed artificial ...spawning devices-seagrass collectors (SC; deployed on artificial reefs), longline collectors (LC; deployed at mussel farms), and trap collectors (TC; delivered to 19 professional and 54 recreational trap fishermen together with a dedicated logbook)-to attract egg deposition was tested. All devices were provided with a polyethylene floating rope 8 mm in diameter that served as a collector for egg deposition. Total rope length was 1,440 m in SC (2,880 segments of 0.5 m), 250 m in LC (500 segments of 0.5 m), and 250 m in TC (10 m per trap). Although the sites where SC and LC were deployed were sheltered from the action of destructive fishing gears, heavy winter storms destroyed the SC after a year. Most recreational fishermen and none of the professional fishermen provided detailed information on percent egg coverage on their collectors. The collectors attached to the three devices proved highly suitable for cuttlefish spawning, collecting more than 500,000 eggs on 2,440 m of rope. The analysis of egg diameter distribution suggested three laying events during the spawning season. The logbook data showed that egg number peaked in June. The present approach, combining habitat reconstruction and participatory research, has the potential to contribute to the recovery of cuttlefish stocks in the framework of a broader management plan.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This study focused on the geochemical and sedimentological characterization of recent sediments from two marine sites (S1 and E1) located in the North Adriatic Sea, between the Po River prodelta and ...the Rimini coast. Major and trace metal concentrations reflect the drainage area of the Po River and its tributaries, considered one of the most polluted areas in Europe. Sediment geochemistry of the two investigated sites denote distinct catchment areas. High values of Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn detected in sediments collected in the Po River prodelta (S1 site) suggest the Po River supply, while lower levels of these elements characterize sediments collected in front of the Rimini coast (E1 site), an indication of Northern Apennines provenance. Historical trends of Pb and Zn reconstructed from the sedimentary record around the E1 site document several changes that can be correlated with the industrialization subsequent to World War II, the implementation of the environmental policy in 1976 and the effects of the Comacchio dumping at the end of 1980. At the S1 site, the down core distributions of trace elements indicate a reduction of contaminants due to the introduction of the Italian Law 319/76 and the implementation of anti-pollution policies on automotive Pb (unleaded fuels) in the second half of the 1980s.
The worldwide increase in the number and use of agrochemicals impacts nearby soil and freshwater ecosystems. Beyond the excess in applications and dosages, the inadequate management of remnants and ...the rinsing water of containers and application equipment worsen this problem, creating point sources of pollution. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalytic and photo-oxidation processes have been successfully applied in degrading organic pollutants. We developed a simple prototype to be used at farms for quickly degrading pesticides in water solutions by exploiting a UV–H2O2-mediated AOP. As representative compounds, we selected the insecticide imidacloprid, the herbicide terbuthylazine, and the fungicide azoxystrobin, all in their commercial formulation. The device efficiency was investigated through the disappearance of the parent molecule and the degree of mineralization. The toxicity of the pesticide solutions, before and during the treatment, was assessed by Vibrio fischeri and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata inhibition assays. The results obtained have demonstrated a cost-effective, viable alternative for detoxifying the pesticide solutions before their disposal into the environment, even though the compounds, or their photoproducts, showed different sensitivities to physicochemical degradation. The bioassays revealed changes in the inhibitory effects on the organisms in agreement with the analytical data.
Effective treatments improving both the chemical and microbiological quality of reclaimed wastewater are urgently needed. Ozone is a clean, economic, and environmentally friendly method to sanitize ...solutions and surfaces and to degrade organic pollutants. A simple, continuous-flow water-ozoniser system was tested to evaluate its effectiveness in batch treating various kinds of wastewater, including the effluent from small municipal plants. The degradation effects on a mixture of urban and industrial standard pollutants were investigated by HPLC-UV-MS analysis and biotoxicological assays. The results revealed that the concentration of most organic pollutants was reduced to 20–0% of the initial one within one hour. One resultant compound was recalcitrant (40% reduction only). The bioassays indicated the definitive reduction in toxic effects after treatment. Similar results were obtained when secondary, post sedimentation, wastewater treatment plant effluents were treated. Heterotrophic plate counts confirmed the strong biocidal activity of ozone. The developed prototype can successfully treat locally produced wastewater, secondary effluents from small–medium plants, and non-potable water resources.
Trace Metals (TMs: Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Ni), major elements (Al and Fe) and radionuclides (210Pb/137Cs) investigations on EL-C01 sediment core provides new information on sedimentary regime and ...anthropogenic impacts during the last 175 years in the Po river prodelta area. The results allow to identify some TMs/Al peak in the upper part of the core, likely related to the major flood events of the Po river during the XXth century. Sediments deposited after the year 1900 exhibit a gradual increase of some TMs concentrations compared to pre-industrial era values. In particular, Pb, Zn, and Cu high contents are detected after the World War II and during the “Italian Economic Miracle” period. The decrease of heavy metal (Zn and Pb) contents from the second half of the 1980s is probably the effect of the Italian Law 319/76 and anti-pollution environmental policies concerning industrial and urban emitters.
•Po river prodelta 175 yr environmental history reconstructed from a sediment core•Trace metal peaks identify Po river major flood events during the XXth century•Cu, Pb, and Zn trends relate to the economic/industrial Italian history•Pre-industrial Pb and Zn concentrations of 31 and 91 mg kg−1 respectively
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Thirty-meters resolution turbidity maps derived from Landsat 8 (L8) images were used to investigate spatial and temporal variations of suspended matter patterns and distribution in the area of Po ...River prodelta (Italy) in the period from April 2013 to October 2015. The main focus of the work was the study of small and sub-mesoscale structures, linking them to the main forcings that control the fate of suspended sediments in the northern Adriatic Sea. A number of hydrologic and meteorological events of different extent and duration was captured by L8 data, quantifying how river discharge and meteo-marine conditions modulate the distribution of turbidity on- and off-shore. At sub-mesoscale, peculiar patterns and smaller structures, as multiple plumes and sand bars, were identified thanks to the unprecedented spatial and radiometric resolution of L8 sensor. The use of these satellite-derived products provides interesting information, particularly on turbidity distribution among the different delta distributaries in specific fluvial regimes that fills the knowledge gap of traditional studies based only on in situ data. A novel approach using satellite data within model implementation is then suggested.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Agglutinated foraminifera from surface sediments of two sites (S1 and E1) in the North Adriatic Sea were investigated in order to detect their test composition and to explore possible links with the ...surrounding environment.
Chemical-mineralogical analyses of the agglutinated tests by scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, suggest that the chemical composition of the test surfaces generally mirrors the one of the sea-floor sediment. Only some species, as Reophax nana and Leptohalysis scottii exhibit a clear selectivity of the agglutinated grains. In detail, specimens of R. nana from site E1, which is mainly characterized by high hydrodynamic conditions at the sea-floor, show a preferential selection of mineral grains containing high concentrations of Zircon (Zr) and Titanium (Ti) even if these elements occur in very low concentrations in the surrounding sediment. L. scottii exclusively picks mica flakes to build the test. We suggest that the compositional differences recorded in the considered agglutinated foraminiferal tests represent distinctive life strategies in order to live successfully in different environments.
•Agglutinated foraminifera were investigated in recent sediments from the Adriatic Sea.•Test surface mineralogical composition reflect the surrounding sediment.•Reophax nana select heavy minerals to survive in high energy environments.•Leptohalysis scottii use phillosilicates to build their test as adaptive strategy.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•Exceptional Bora event of winter 2012 over the northern Adriatic is investigated.•NWP model (BOLAM–MOLOCH) simulations are validated and discussed.•Near-surface meteorological variables, SST and ...surface fluxes are analyzed.•SST initialization strongly impacts surface fluxes prediction.•Possible model improvements are identified.
The Bora wind event occurred in winter 2012 was exceptional in terms of both meteorological effects and impact on the Adriatic Sea circulation. It was associated with intense and persistent winds, very cold temperatures all over the Mediterranean basin and heavy snowfall over the Apennines slopes exposed to north-easterly winds, and it was responsible for triggering dense water formation and driving basin-scale oceanic circulation. The cooling period (29 January–13 February) was characterized by intense air–sea exchanges of momentum and heat, whose accurate simulation is required for a proper description of atmospheric and ocean circulations.
In the present study, results of a number of short-range high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) model simulations for the entire Bora outbreak are discussed. The modeling chain, based on BOLAM and MOLOCH limited area models, has been implemented using initial and boundary conditions provided by different global NWP systems. Model performance has been evaluated in terms of variables of interest for oceanographic applications, such as sea surface temperature (SST), surface heat fluxes, solar radiation and near surface meteorological parameters (air temperature, wind, pressure and humidity). The validation has been undertaken through a comparison against surface data (buoys and oceanographic platforms) available at different locations in the northern Adriatic area, while advanced synthetic aperture radar (ASAR) products have been used to assess modeled wind fields on a larger scale.
Model results indicate a good agreement with the observations concerning meteorological variables, in particular wind, pressure and temperature. However, large differences were found in the SST forecasts, which in turn affect also sea surface flux predictions. The uncertainties in SST forecasts are mainly ascribable to the different initialization fields provided by either the global models or satellite analyses. Thus SST initialization represents a critical issue for an accurate description of surface fluxes at least for this exceptionally severe event.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
New high-resolution bathymetric and magnetic data from the western Aeolian sector, southern Tyrrhenian Sea, provide insights into structural and volcanic development of the area, suggesting a strong ...interaction between volcanism and tectonics. The analysis of these data combined with relocated earthquake distribution, focal plane solutions and strain rate evaluation indicates that the dextral strike-slip Sisifo-Alicudi shear zone is a complex and wide area of active deformation, representing the superficial expression of the deep seated lithospheric tear fault separating the subduction slab below Sicily and Calabria. Most of the observed volcanic features are aligned along a NW–SE trend, such as the Filicudi island-Alicudi North Seamount and Eolo-Enarete alignments, and are dissected by hundred-metre-high scarps along conjugate NNE–SSW trending fault systems. The magnetic field pattern matches the main trends of volcanic features. Spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution of magnetic anomalies show the existence of both deep and shallow sources. High-amplitude, high-frequency anomalies due to shallow sources are dominant close to the volcanic edifices of Alicudi and Filicudi, while the main contribution on the surrounding Eolo, Enarete, Alicudi North and Filicudi North seamounts is given by low-amplitude anomalies and/or deeper magnetic sources. This is probably related to different ages of the volcanic rocks, although hydrothermal processes may have played an important role in blanketing magnetic anomalies, in particular at Enarete and Eolo seamounts. Relative chronology of the eruptive centres and the inferred deformation pattern outline the Quaternary evolution of the western Aeolian Arc: Sisifo, Alicudi North and Filicudi North seamounts might have developed in an early stage, following the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene SE-ward migration of arc-related volcanism due to the Ionian subduction hinge retreat; Eolo, Enarete and Filicudi represent later manifestations that led volcanoes to develop during Mid-Late Pleistocene, when the stress regime in the area changed, due to the SSE-ward propagation of the subduction slab tear fault and the consequent reorientation and decrease of trench migration velocity. Finally, volcanic activity occurred in a very short time span at Alicudi, where an almost conical volcanic edifice emerged, suggesting negligible interactions with regional fault systems.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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