The role of Posidonia oceanica on particle sedimentation processes in coastal shallow-waters
Author(s)
Paladini De Mendoza, Francesco
Date Issued
June 16, 2017
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The Posidonia oceanica is the endemic seagrass of Mediterranean Sea, subjected to a diffuse
regression in last 50 years. Sedimentary flux is one of the ecological factors of the seagrass
ecosystems and makes an important theme for the conservation of coastal natural resources. The
present work investigates the vertical sedimentation flux on P. oceanica meadow and the linkage
between the sedimentary dynamic and benthic community structure. The experimental investigations
about sedimentation of organic and inorganic matter were monthly conducted on a meadow placed at
7 m depth in Civitavecchia (Italy), throughout the year 2015-2016, by the use of sediment traps.
Hydrodynamic experiments were integrated to sediment dynamic observations. Fauna assemblage
were analysed seasonally. The experimental investigations conducted on P. oceanica meadow have
demonstrated the role of seagrass on particles sedimentary process and how this interaction has a
direct implication on the structure of fauna assemblage. The vagile fauna is strongly dependent to the
growth of leaves, while the population of rhizomes is more susceptible to sedimentary dynamic
regime of particles, that causes a shift of trophic categories. The capacity of a P. oceanica meadow
in particles retention, especially during the maximum growth of leaves, favours the accumulation of
organic matter and sediment that contribute to ‘matte’ accretion and provide habitat and feed for
benthic species that live in the rhizome-matte stratum.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ecologia e gestione delle risorse biologiche
Subjects
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