mauro marini

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Abstract: The Drini and Manfredonia Gulfs were investigated in May 2008 and April 2009, respectively. The gulfs are located in the South Eastern (Gulf of Drini) and South Western (Gulf of Manfredonia) Adriatic Sea. The areas are partially influenced by two main Adriatic surface currents: the Eastern Adriatic Current-EAC that flows north-westward along the eastern side, and the Western Adriatic Current-WAC that flows south-eastward along the western side of the basin. The spatial variations of temperature, salinity, fluorescence, dissolved oxygen concentration, Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter-CDOM, nutrients, chlorophyll a and phytoplankton composition parameters in the two areas were observed and compared. CDOM regulates the penetration of UV light into the sea and plays an important role in many hydrological and biogeochemical processes on the sea surface layer including primary productivity. The phytoplankton specific diversity of the Gulf of Manfredonia showed a spring community with dinoflagellates (21 taxa) as the main important fraction, coccolithophorales (6 taxa) and diatoms with 10 identified taxa. The phytoplankton distribution along the eastern coast showed a different biodiversity: a prevalence of dinoflagellates (58 taxa) included harmful microalgae such as Alexandrium, Dinophysis and Lingulodinium genus. Diatoms were less abundant, among them Pseudo-nitzschia was also reported which could include some potentially toxic species. Nanoplankton are ever abundant in offshore waters and an exceptional bloom of cyanobacteria was registered in Buna-Boyana estuary due to strong industrial impact. The gulfs showed similar physical and biochemical characteristics despite the WAC carried out along the western Adriatic Sea the water rich in nutrients from the major northern Italian rivers. No correlations were found between CDOM and chlorophyll a in the two areas and this implied that, probably, the primary source of CDOM might come from terrestrial input rather than the biological production from phytoplankton. The Gulf of Drini is impacted by the runoff of the Buna-Bojana river that makes this gulf an eutrophic area despite the mostly eastern side of the Adriatic being an oligotrophic basin.

Abstract: The Po Valley is the most important agricultural and industrial area of Adriatic basin. In this area there are several rivers which transport polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the sea via suspended particulate matter. This study describes the persistence of PAHs in the deep and coastal sediments of the Northern Adriatic. Different environmental conditions were studied: salinity, temperature, sunlight, sediment particle size and organic matter in sediment. The average conditions in the deep areas of the Northern Adriatic are: salinity higher than 37, temperature lower than 11 C, darkness and clayey sediments with a high organic matter content. These conditions increase the persistence of the PAHs in the deep area of the Northern Adriatic.

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Abstract: The Drini and Manfredonia Gulfs were investigated in May 2008 and April 2009, respectively. The gulfs are located in the South Eastern (Gulf of Drini) and South Western (Gulf of Manfredonia) Adriatic Sea. The areas are partially influenced by two main Adriatic surface currents: the Eastern Adriatic Current-EAC that flows north-westward along the eastern side, and the Western Adriatic Current-WAC that flows south-eastward along the western side of the basin. The spatial variations of temperature, salinity, fluorescence, dissolved oxygen concentration, Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter-CDOM, nutrients, chlorophyll a and phytoplankton composition parameters in the two areas were observed and compared. CDOM regulates the penetration of UV light into the sea and plays an important role in many hydrological and biogeochemical processes on the sea surface layer including primary productivity. The phytoplankton specific diversity of the Gulf of Manfredonia showed a spring community with dinoflagellates (21 taxa) as the main important fraction, coccolithophorales (6 taxa) and diatoms with 10 identified taxa. The phytoplankton distribution along the eastern coast showed a different biodiversity: a prevalence of dinoflagellates (58 taxa) included harmful microalgae such as Alexandrium, Dinophysis and Lingulodinium genus. Diatoms were less abundant, among them Pseudo-nitzschia was also reported which could include some potentially toxic species. Nanoplankton are ever abundant in offshore waters and an exceptional bloom of cyanobacteria was registered in Buna-Boyana estuary due to strong industrial impact. The gulfs showed similar physical and biochemical characteristics despite the WAC carried out along the western Adriatic Sea the water rich in nutrients from the major northern Italian rivers. No correlations were found between CDOM and chlorophyll a in the two areas and this implied that, probably, the primary source of CDOM might come from terrestrial input rather than the biological production from phytoplankton. The Gulf of Drini is impacted by the runoff of the Buna-Bojana river that makes this gulf an eutrophic area despite the mostly eastern side of the Adriatic being an oligotrophic basin.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the impact at sea of a pesticide factory located 7 km north of Durres (Albania) by investigating a lowland area under the sea situated 0.7 km from the shoreline. The main product of this factory was lindane. Production ceased in 1991 during the Albanian civil war, and a large amount of industrial waste was dispersed over the ground surrounding the factory, resulting in a high level of lindane pollution. A water-scoop channels the ground water accumulated around the disused factory directly into the sea. The concentrations of lindane in sediments collected along the coasts of the region ranged from 0.60 to 22.55 ng g(-1). The average concentration in the muscles of fish did not exceed the limits specified by European Commission legislation, whereas the concentration in the liver did exceed these limits; consequently, liver is not recommended for consumption.

Abstract: The ecology of Ostreopsis cf. ovata bloom was investigated to evaluate the role of environmental factors (temperature, hydrodynamism, nutrient concentrations) depth and substratum on the bloom dynamics. Sampling was carried out from 2006 to 2010 in several benthic substrata. Annual maximum of cell abundance was always observed in late-summer, reaching the order of magnitude of 106 cells g-1 fw (corresponding to 107 cells g-1 dw and 104 cells cm-2) on macrophyte samples. Comparing the mean abundances settled on seaweeds with those growing on hard substrata, significantly higher abundances were observed on the latter. Hydrodynamism plays a major role in Ostreopsis blooms: significantly higher abundances were observed in sheltered sites compared with exposed ones. The abundances of O. cf. ovata showed a marked decrease with depth. Temperature and nutrients don�t seem to play an important effect on the O. cf. ovata blooms. High levels of toxin were recorded in natural samples and episodes of death of both benthic invertebrates (limpets, sea urchins and mussels) and macroalgae are commonly observed during O. cf. ovata blooms.

Abstract: We describe the upper ocean thermal structure and surface nutrient concentrations between New Zealand and Antarctica along five transects that cross the Subantarctic Front, the Polar Front (PF) and the southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) front. The surface water thermal structure is coupled with variations in surface nutrient concentrations, making water masses identifiable by both temperature and nutrient ranges. In particular, a strong latitudinal gradient in orthosilicate concentration is centred at the PF. On the earlier sections that extend south-west from the Campbell Plateau, orthosilicate increases sharply southward from 1015 to 5055 mmol l1 between 588 S and 608 S, while surface temperature drops from 78C to 28C. Nitrate increases more regularly toward the south, with concentrations ranging from 1012 mmol l1 at 548 S to 2530 mmol l1 at 668 S. The same features are observed during the later transects between New Zealand and the Ross Sea, but the sharp silica and surface temperature gradients are shifted between 608 S and 648 S. Both temporal and spatial factors may influence the observed variability. The January transect suggests an uptake of silica, orthophosphate and nitrate between 638 S and 708 S over the intervening month, with an average depletion near 37%, 44% and 29%, respectively. An N/P apparent drawdown ratio of 8.8 9 4.1 and an Si/N apparent drawdown ratio 1 suggest this depletion results from a seasonal diatom bloom. A southward movement of the oceanic fronts between New Zealand and the Ross Sea relative to prior measurements is consistent with reports of recent warming and changes in the ACC.

Abstract: Intense blooms of the benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata have occurred in the northern Adriatic Sea since 2006. These blooms are associated with noxious effects on human health and with the mortality of benthic organisms because of the production of palytoxin-like compounds. The O. cf. ovata bloom and its relationships with nutrient concentrations at two stations on the Conero Riviera (northern Adriatic Sea) were investigated in the summer of 2009. O. cf. ovata developed from August to November, with the highest abundances in September (1.3�10(6) cells g(-1) fw corresponding to 63.8�10(3) cells cm(-2)). The presence of the single O. cf. ovata genotype was confirmed by a PCR assay. Bloom developed when the seawater temperature was decreasing. Nutrient concentrations did not seem to affect bloom dynamics. Toxin analysis performed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a high total toxin content (up to 75 pg cell(-1)), including putative palytoxin and all the ovatoxins known so far.

Abstract: Physical and chemical characteristics of the Adriatic Sea during 2001 are analyzed to better understand the influence of an exceptional flooding of the Po River (the largest river flowing into the Adriatic Sea) occurred in October 2000. Spatial and temporal distributions of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients over the basin are presented. To better understand the impact of river flood during 2001, an analysis of a data-set along a transect during the years 1999�2002 is carried out. Results confirmed that the Po River outflows strongly affect the physical and chemical characteristics of the basin. In particular, during 2001, a sharp decrease in salinity and an increase in nutrient and fluorescence concentrations occurred in the northwestern Adriatic Sea after the 2000 flood event. The amount of nutrients transported during the river flood into the northwestern part of the basin is depleted by phytoplankton uptake until April 2001. All the nutrients were consumed before they could enrich the eastern coast, even though the freshwater input extends towards the Croatian coast. The Po River discharge flowing into the North Adriatic Sea during October�November 2000 (about 5000 m3/s) is twice the mean discharge of the 2-month period (about 2000 m3/s) and diluting the basin sufficiently to influence the North Adriatic Deep Water formation, almost absent in winter 2001. The flood event contributed to modifying the physical and chemical dynamics of the Adriatic Sea and its influence is clearly visible even 5�6 months later.

Abstract: Intense blooms of the benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata have occurred in the northern Adriatic Sea since 2006. These blooms are associated with noxious effects on human health and with the mortality of benthic organisms because of the production of palytoxin-like compounds. The O. cf. ovata bloom and its relationships with nutrient concentrations at two stations on the Conero Riviera (northern Adriatic Sea) were investigated in the summer of 2009. O. cf. ovata developed from August to November, with the highest abundances in September (1.3 106 cells g1 fw corresponding to 63.8 103 cells cm2). The presence of the single O. cf. ovata genotype was confirmed by a PCR assay. Bloom developed when the seawater temperature was decreasing. Nutrient concentrations did not seem to affect bloom dynamics. Toxin analysis performed by high resolution liquid chromatography�mass spectrometry revealed a high total toxin content (up to 75 pg cell1), including putative palytoxin and all the ovatoxins known so far.

Abstract: This review aims to present the current status of studies on geochemical (major minor and trace elements), biochemical (total organic carbon, total nitrogen, isotopic carbon composition, Bacteria, Archaea, phytopigments, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, humic and fulvic acids), mineralogical (light and heavy minerals, clay minerals) and pollutant (trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, organic stannic compounds) parameters, grain-size composition and sediment�water interactions (early diagenesis and benthic fluxes) for the bottom sediments of the central and southern Adriatic Sea. The review highlighted gaps in or completeness of the parameters needed for research, of areas in which the parameters were investigated, as well as the interdisciplinary nature of the studies. In general, biogeochemical, mineralogical, grain-size and pollutant studies in the central and southern Adriatic Sea are restricted to limited areas, consider only single parameters without an interdisciplinary approach and, except for some more recent projects, are predominatly out of date. On the whole, there is a lack of an organised study concerning the various parameters for the entire central and southern Adriatic Sea and their evolution over time.

Abstract: This study intends to understand and assess the effects of the discharge from the Buna/Bojana river delta watersheds on the eutrophic status of the southeastern Adriatic Sea, and contrast this area with the northwestern Adriatic region where the Po River dominates the freshwater discharge into the coastal ocean. We compare observations of inorganic nutrients, turbidity, and physical variables from the two regions and use numerical model results to characterize the physical circulation of the two areas. The area affected by the Po River discharge extends at least one hundred kilometers southward from the delta and approximately 20 km offshore. Maximum chlorophyll concentrations typically occur within the river plume. Similarly, in the southeastern Adriatic Sea, the Buna/Bojana River discharge extends northward along the coasts for approximately one hundred kilometers and contains a large maxima in the regional chlorophyll distribution. The two coastal areas tend to have opposing physical forcing processes: the Po River tends to be affected area by northerly to northeasterly winds that cause downwelling, whereas the Buna/Bojana River on the opposite side of the basin is typically characterized by northerly, upwelling favorable winds. However, during the study period, upwelling is not a dominant feature of the circulation and both the shelf slope current (SouthEastern Adriatic e SEAd current) and the along shore currents in the southeastern Adriatic Sea are northward. The along shore current probably dominated by the river runoff is here described for the first time and called the southeastern Shelf Coastal (SESC) current. Under these conditions, primary productivity is high in both regions leading us to conclude that river plume dynamics and the associated nutrient inputs determine the eutrophication status of the coastal strip, regardless of the circulation regime in the southeastern Adriatic Sea area. The Adriatic southeastern coastal area is an eutrophic area that is strongly affected by freshwater inputs particularly from the Buna/ Bojana River system.

Abstract: The temporal variations of temperature, salinity, fluorescence, dissolved oxygen concentration, Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) and of chemical (nutrients, chlorophyll a) and biological (phytoplankton composition) parameters in the Boka Kotorska Bay were observed during two periods. CDOM regulates the penetration of UV light into the sea and therefore plays an important role in many hydrological and biogeochemical processes in the sea surface layer including primary productivity. In the framework ADRICOSM-STAR it was possible to investigate the Boka Kotorska Bay during May and June 2008 in order to increase an understanding of optical and chemical characteristics and their evolution during these periods. In both periods station KO (located furthest from the open sea) presented different physical, chemical and biological characteristics with respect to the other stations inside the Boka Kotorska Bay. A positive correlation was found between CDOM and chlorophyll a (R = 0.7, P < 0.001, n = 15) and this implies that in this area, similarly to the open sea, the primary source of CDOM should be the biological production from phytoplankton. This is probably due to the fact that the rivers entering the Boka Kotorska Bay are not severely impacted by man.

Abstract: Wind forcing plays a key role in controlling the water column structure and circulation in the northern Adriatic Sea. Through shipboard observations and numerical modeling, we have documented the changing of oceanographic features before, during, and after a sequence of cold northeasterly bora wind pulses that occurred during stratified conditions in late September 2002. High-resolution meteorological, hydrodynamic, and wave model outputs were related to in situ observations of hydrologic parameters, dissolved nutrients and oxygen, suspended matter biogeochemical properties, and phytoplankton. The bora intensified the southward flowing coastal current along the Italian coast, establishing a frontal system that typically exists in winter. The bora also caused complete vertical mixing to 20�25 m in the water column, an influx of warm salty water from the south along the Croatian coast, and increased resuspension and southward transport of bottom sediments for the combined effects of currents and waves. The effects on the bottom were limited to the western coastal belt, as in the deeper central part of the basin hypoxic conditions were present during the whole observing period. During the bora, the concentration of inorganic dissolved nutrients in the bottom water increased consistently with the release of nutrients from the sediments and with the mineralization processes. Resuspension of bottom layer sediment represents an important source of nutrients for the water column in this period. The higher level of nutrients was observed together with an increase in phytoplankton biomass, suggesting a potential trigger for the autumnal phytoplankton bloom in the northern Adriatic. Finally, bora events seem to be able to generate a relevant increase of nutrient export from the northern Adriatic through the intensified Adriatic western coastal current, so they could play a relevant role in the nutrient balance of the basin.

Abstract: II clima e le condizioni ambientali del pianeta Terra influenzano e sono a loro volta influenzati dal sistema marino nel suo complesso. Di conseguenza, anche i cicli degli elementi biologicamente più rilevanti � come carbonio, silicio, azoto e fosforo � sono coinvolti nei processi condizionati dal clima e pertanto oggetto di numerosi studi. In questo contesto, risulta fondamentale promuovere tutti gli sforzi di ricerca che portino ad un aumento delle conoscenze integrate ed a lungo termine. La rete italiana di ricerche ecologiche di lungo termine (LTER-Italia) � dopo una gestazione quasi decennale � ha visto la luce nel 2006 entrando a far parte della rete internazionale ILTER (International Long Term Ecological Research). La strutturazione dei siti di ricerca LTER, tra cui il sito Alto Adriatico, evidenziano, in maniera particolare, il ruolo degli istituti del CNR, sia nella fase di costituzione della rete, che nella realizzazione diretta di siti di osservazione. In particolare, i cambiamenti climatici sono in grado di influenzare fortemente le variazioni del livello del mare a scale temporali brevi e proprio a questo i media riservano molta attenzione; in realtà, però, tali cambiamenti caratterizzano la storia del pianeta già da prima che l�impatto delle attività umane diventasse rilevante. Il problema non è dunque il fatto in sé, ma è importante comprendere le dimensioni di tale cambiamento e quanto rapido possa essere su scale temporali estese per la stabilità delle società umane, dato che questo si riflette sulla capacità di adattarvisi o mitigarlo.

Abstract: Phytoplankton composition with environmental parameters were detected in Kotor Bay and along the coast from Montenegro to Albania in May and June 2008. The community showed the higher specific diversity in May rather than in June. Dinoflagellates and diatoms were the most important groups while, in terms of abundances, the other taxonomical groups prevailed.

Abstract: [1] The influence of the Po plume on the northern Adriatic Sea was observed during two seasons in 2003 under distinct physical forcing regimes. During the winter, the plume was cool, low in both salinity and chlorophyll, but with higher chlorophyll concentrations occurring along the plume boundary. The plume mixed deeply in the water column in response to the strong wind forcing. The northern Adriatic and the Po plume cooled significantly during the observational period, and therefore salinity alone was the best discriminator of water mass variability. In contrast to the strong forcing of the winter period, the late spring was characterized by weak wind forcing, and below-average Po River discharge (600 m3/s) which was about one third of the typical discharge for this period. As in winter, salinity was again the best discriminator of water mass variability. The Po plume advected southward along the Italian coast and in some locations portions of the coastal plume were transferred offshore in filament-like features. However, the one observed filament was quite low in chlorophyll and was quite thin vertically, extending downward less than 5 m from the surface. The spring observations provide a distinct contrast in the effects of the physical forcings of river flow and wind stress from two different seasons. The strong winter forcing resulted in deep mixing of the plume despite its low salinity and buoyancy, whereas the weak summer flow under weak winds resulted in a very shallow plume (<5 m) that was high in chlorophyll.

Abstract: Come le condizioni ambientali si memorizzano negli organismi viventi? L�autore presenta i risultati di una ricerca condotta nel Mare Adriatico con l�obiettivo di determinare le correlazioni tra le condizioni ambientali e il contenuto di particolari elementi chimici presenti nell�otolite di pesci, quali le acciughe, che trascorrono l�intero ciclo vitale nel mare. Uno studio multidisciplinare (biologico, oceanografico, chimico e tecnologico) costituisce un esempio di come si possono raggiungere risultati importanti grazie all�amplificazione delle capacità di singoli gruppi di ricerca e alla sinergia che si crea tra gruppi che sviluppano programmi di ricerca interdisciplinari.

Abstract: � stata studiata l'influenza dei venti di Bora sulla distribuzione nell'Adriatico delle sostanze disciolte portate dal Po e dai principali fiumi del versante occidentale. Si sono evidenziati i due principali effetti: la diversa distribuzione superficiale degli apporti fluviali in inverno e in estate e il rimescolamento della colonna d'acqua alla fine dell'estate con il conseguente apporto d'ossigeno sullo strato di fondo.

Abstract: Per introdurre l�argomento parto da un brano di Giovanni Bianchi, pubblicato sulla Raccolta d�Opuscoli scientifici e filologici nel 1746, che riferisce sulla presenza delle mucillagini, «una certa cosa moccicchiosa», nel 1729 e parla delle conseguenze correlate all�attività di pesca: «[...] Le Tempeste e le burrasche di Mare, che paiono ordinariamente non apportare che del danno, pure elle fanno d�utile a Pescatori stessi, e ciò conoscemmo chiaramente l�anno mille settecentoventinove, nel quale, perciocché in tutta la Primavera, e in tutta la State non furono mai burrasche nel Mare, esso s�era tanto d�erba inutile, e di una certa cosa moccicchiosa nel fondo, riempito, che i Pescatori non potevano in quell�anno prendere Pesce alcuno, quantunque una fatica grandissima adoperassero nel calare, e nel tirare le loro reti in mare; per la quale cosa ognuno di loro, acciocché la propria vita, e la loro famiglia potesse sostentare una qualche grave Tempesta, o Burrasca, che il fondo del mare ripulisse allora s�augurava. Così nel mese d�Ottobre, e di Novembre ognanno i Pescatori di Comacchio sempre pubbliche preghiere fanno, acciocché tempi cattivi con tuoni, con folgori e con tempeste succedono, onde caricarsi di copiosa Pesca possano le loro Reti. Se s�è ritrovato l�utile delle Tempeste, e delle Burrasche di Mare, e la loro necessità; forse col filosofare si troverà l�utile del Fulmine, e del Tremuoto della Divina Providenza è stato posto in vano, ma che ogni cosa cospira al retto ordine, e alla conservazione generale di questo tutto, dentro del quale noi siamo».

Abstract: The aim of the ADRICOSM-EXT (ADRIatic sea integrated COastal areaS and river basin Management system pilot project - EXTension), Task of the southern Adriatic is to start collection of basic hydrological and biochemical data sets in new coastal areas (Serbia-Montenegro and Albania) to build the scientific basis for coastal forecasting in successive phases. The implement a new CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) network on new transects between Serbia-Montenegro and Albania. The new program of CTD measurements, 5 transects on the Durazzo/Bar coastal area and a Brindisi/Durazzo track. The analyzed parameters are: temperature, salinity, turbidity, florescence, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll and nutrients.

Abstract: Fish growth and the relation between growth and environmental conditions offer a good opportunity for measuring alkaline and earthy ions in fish otoliths. The analytical method must involve high sensitivity when attempting to discriminate between fish growth and environmental conditions. The aim of this paper is to propose a chromatographic method, with low detection limits, as a new approach in determining some important micronutrients present in sea water and fish otoliths. The work samples are: coastal, off-shore and sediment waters and fish otoliths (Engraulis encrasicholus, Mullus barbatus, Umbrina cirrhosa, Sciaena umbra, Pagellus erythrinus) in the Adriatic Sea and the Canal of Sicily. The analytical method includes an IONPAC CS12A chromatographic column and a 18 mM methanesulfonic acid eluent. The detection limit readings obtained with this method, for one E. encrasicholus fish otolith, weighing 2.6 mg are equal or inferior to 0.1 Ag/L for lithium (Li), 59 Ag/L for sodium (Na), 46 Ag/L for ammonium (NH4), 23 Ag/L for potassium (K), 13 Ag/L for magnesium (Mg), 88 Ag/L for manganese (Mn), 2.567 Ag/L for calcium (Ca) and 13 Ag/L for strontium (Sr). The HPIC method minimizes overlaps such as Na on Li, and NH4 in seawater and Ca on Mg and Sr in fish otolith. These elements are an essential constituent present in otoliths when describing the relation between growth and environmental conditions. Good separation among analytes is achieved within 16 min.

Abstract: A physical and chemical dataset collected in the Jabuka (Pomo) depression area (middle Adriatic Sea) was analysed for seasonal and interannual changes in temperature, salinity, density, dissolved oxygen and nitrates. A historical dataset collected from 1980 to 1997 was extended with data from 15 oceanographic cruises conducted between 1998 and 2002 in the framework of the SINAPSI research program. The bottom water masses of the Jabuka pits are periodically renewed by Northern Adriatic Deep Water (NAdDW) at 1 to 3 yr intervals. During late winter-early spring, the new water eventually flows into the western pit and then into the central and eastern ones. During 1 yr of residence in the pits, bottom water nitrates increase 3-fold and dissolved oxygen decreases by 28% due to mineralisation processes. Some aspects of recently observed decadal climatic anomalies in the Northern Adriatic Sea, in particular the average winter sea surface warming, are revealed by the analysed dataset. Relationships were observed between these anomalies and the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT), and from this (and other indirect indications) we infer that since 1999 the Adriatic Sea has re-emerged as a major source of Eastern Mediterranean Deep Water (EMDW). These findings confirm the worth of the mesoadriatic depressions as an easily accessible recording site of interannual oceanographic variations in the Adriatic basin.

Abstract: Nutrient concentrations (orthophosphate, orthosilicate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen�DIN) were measured on three transects in the northern Adriatic approximately monthly in the period June 1999�July 2002. The net nutrient transports across the three transects were estimated from these concentration values and calculated water fluxes [Grilli F, Paschini E, Russo A, Precali R, Supic´ N. Circulation and horizontal fluxes in the Northern Adriatic Sea in the period June 1999_July 2002. Part I: geostrophic circulation and current measurement. Sci Total Environ 2005�this issue], with the aim to verify their possible role in the mucilage phenomenon. The nutrient transports in the northern Adriatic were very variable, seasonally and from year to year, both in intensity and direction. Some differences were noticed also among the nutrient species. At the northernmost transect Po Delta�Rovinj minimal values and variable directions were recorded, probably due to the prevailing of eastward transversal transports, observed already in late winter, and generally dominant in spring and summer. Northward transport was often measured at the central transect Cesenatico�Cape Kamenjak, particularly in spring 2000 and 2002, and summer 2001, as well as for only DIN in summer 1999. In contrast, southward directions prevailed at the southernmost transect Senigallia�Susak Island. In October significant southward transports occurred at all transects and for all nutrients, particularly strong in 2000, when exceptionally high Po River discharges occurred, and the Western Adriatic Current (WAC) was well developed. However, the nutrient transports in the upper water column were low or northwards at both transect Cesenatico�Cape Kamenjak and Senigallia�Susak Island in June and July 2000, 2001, and 2002, when the mucilage phenomenon developed, but were opposite in 1999, a year without events. The results suggest that high variations of nutrient fluxes and their ratios, in conditions of reduced water dynamics, are essential for the development of the phenomenon, rather than the absolute amounts of the nutrient inputs.

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Abstract: The spatial and temporal distributions of different types of visible mucilaginous aggregates were investigated monthly by underwater video cameras in the northern Adriatic (NA) from June 1999 to July 2002. Small aggregates (flocs, macroflocs and stringers) were observed in all seasons with higher values in autumn and winter. Larger aggregates (ribbons, cobwebs, clouds, and false bottoms) formed only during late-spring and summer, particularly in 2000 and 2002, when the seasonal thermohaline stratification was marked. In fact, the process of mucilage formation took place mainly in the upper water column, above the main pycnocline. The spatial distribution shows that higher concentrations of small aggregates occur in the more productive coastal waters. The larger aggregates form or accumulate mainly in coastal waters in the southern part of the NA and in the central part of the Po River delta�Rovinj transect, where a gyre greatly influences the aggregates distribution. The fronts between low salinity coastal waters and high salinity waters of southern origin play an important role for accumulation and aggregation of the mucilage during spring and summer. Most of the aggregates accumulate in correspondence with strong pycnoclines with differences in density anomaly of 2 kg m3 or higher. False bottoms formed in correspondence with strong haloclines (DSi2), while cobwebs and ribbons also occurred when the halocline was less marked (DS b0.5). Meteorological conditions greatly influenced the aggregate formation. Calm weather and weak winds favour aggregation processes, while strong north-easterly winds, causing intense mixing, result in the dispersion of the mucilaginous aggregates, as occurred during the Bora event in July 2000.

Abstract: In coastal environments, chemical reactions at sediment-water interface, playing an important role in settling nutrients and oxygen benthic fluxes, account for a closely linkage between pelagic production and sea floor biogeochemical processes. In this study we examine mechanisms responsible of the recycle of carbon and nutrients at the sediment-water interface to understand the role of the sediments to the nutrients mass balance in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Southern Adriatic sea). This shallow gulf, characterized by limited circulation, can be nutrient enriched by the southward Adriatic coastal current coming from the northern basin. This current, connecting northern and southern Adriatic ecosystem regimes, can significantly affect large-scale distribution of biogeochemical properties. Moreover, this gulf is considered a complex area where anthropic pressure is a relevant phenomena in alteration of marine ecosystem. The study sites were placed in region characterized by high sedimentation rate, where Northern Adriatic inputs and local rivers inflow are relevant. Benthic chamber fluxes were measured and pore waters samples was analyzed in two stations, (inside and in offshore boundary of the gulf) during two oceanographic cruises carried out in October 2002 and March 2003. Pore water profiles suggest oxic and suboxic degradation of organic matter more intense in late summer, due to higher input of fresh organic matter and higher temperature of water column, hence microbial activity. In the same season, benthic fluxes measurements show higher fluxes of organic matter degradation products, specially in offshore site, supporting a higher remineralization rates. In both season, diagenetic processes in the inner station progress in a thinner layer than the outer site due to lower organic matter input in this site. Finally, a comparison between benthic chambers and pore waters fluxes was useful to indicate which transport processes operate a relevant role in solute exchange rates between sediment water interface.

Abstract: In order to understand the mechanisms responsible of the recycle of carbon and nutrients at the sediment-water interface and to understand the role of sediments in nutrients mass balance in coastal water, cores were collected (pore waters and solid 5 phases) and benthic fluxes (oxygen, dissolved nutrients, dissolved iron and managanese, alkalinity and TCO2) were measured in two stations in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Southern Adriatic Sea). Stations were chosen to include a site, in the offshore part of the gulf, under the influence of western Adriatic current and another site, in the inner part of the gulf, under influence of gyres occurring inside the gulf. Both stations were 10 placed in areas characterized by high sedimentation rate. Fluxes at sediment water interface show higher values in S2 site during the summer. Bio-irrigation seems to be the main transport mechanism characterizing both sites, with more evident effects during summer in S1 site.

Abstract: This paper summarises the research carried out from 2001 to 2002 in the coastal area of Piceno, NW central Adriatic Sea. Physical and chemical oceanographic data were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem. Temperature and salinity showed a seasonal variability with a water column mixed in April and stratified in June- August. Nutrient concentration indicated a high variability mainly due to the local river inflows as shown by comparison between this

Abstract: The Gulf of Manfredonia is situated in the western part of Southern Adriatic Sea. This shallow gulf is considered a complex area, presently not well studied (as opposed to the Northern Adriatic Sea), where anthropogenic pressure plays an important role for pollution phenomena and alteration of the marine ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate early diagenesis processes that produce benthic fluxes affecting the chemistry of water column. Two oceanographic cruises were carried out in late summer 2002 and in late winter 2003 to evaluate the seasonal variations of early diagenetic processes. Sediment cores were collected in two sites (inside and in the offshore boundary of the gulf) in which high sedimentation processes occur. Parameters on the solid fraction and pore waters profiles of TCO2, NH3, NO3, PO4 3-, SO4 2-, alkalinity, Fe, Mn, Ca and Mg were determined in each site. Benthic fluxes were measured using two benthic chambers in each site. The 234Th profiles show a more intense bioturbation in the firsts centimetre of sediment in the inner station and the sedimentation rate, calculated by 210Pbex and 137Cs profiles, ranging from 0.40 gcm-2 y-1 in the inner shelf to 0.49 gcm-2 y-1 in the outer gulf. In winter, pore water profiles suggest oxic and anoxic degradation of reactive organic matter less intense and occurring in a thinner layer close to the sediment-water interface in both site Reactive organic matter degradation products also show an intense irrigation in the firsts centimetres of sediments in both stations. During the summer, the pore water profiles reflect remineralization processes limited to a very thin layer close to the sediment water interface in both stations but higher in the shallowest site. Measured benthic fluxes will be compared with the fluxes obtained by pore water modelization to investigate sedimentwater interface processes.

Abstract: Little is known concerning environmental factors that may control the distribution of virioplankton on large spatial scales. In previous studies workers reported high viral levels in eutrophic systems and suggested that the trophic state is a possible driving force controlling the spatial distribution of viruses. In order to test this hypothesis, we determined the distribution of viral abundance and bacterial abundance and the virus-tobacterium ratio in a wide area covering the entire Adriatic basin (Mediterranean Sea). To gather additional information on factors controlling viral distribution on a large scale, functional microbial parameters (exoenzymatic activities, bacterial production and turnover) were related to trophic gradients. At large spatial scales, viral distribution was independent of autotrophic biomass and all other environmental parameters. We concluded that in contrast to what was previously hypothesized, changing trophic conditions do not directly affect virioplankton distribution. Since virus distribution was coupled with bacterial turnover times, our results suggest that viral abundance depends on bacterial activity and on host cell abundance.

Abstract: Relationship between water column and pore water nutrient concentrations on the growth of the Zostera marina L. in the Numana harbour (Adriatic Sea) was investigated. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the water column and in the pore water were not related with plant growth. In contrast phosphate concentrations in the water column appeared a limiting factor.

Abstract: Nel giugno e nel settembre del 2001 sono state effettuate due crociere oceanografiche nel nord Adriatico, da Numana (An) a Chioggia (Ve), dall�Italia alla Croazia, con misurazioni di temperatura, salinità, fluorescenza, irradianza, ossigeno disciolto e nutrienti. Nel lavoro vengono posti in relazione tra loro l�ossigeno disciolto, la fluorescenza, i nutrienti, l�irradianza e le portate del Po, con lo scopo di osservare le loro variazioni biochimiche nello spazio e nel tempo. Dallo studio risulta che gli inputs del Po e l�irradianza sono fattori importanti nella distribuzione della clorofilla a e dell�ossigeno disciolto in superficie, e che i processi di mineralizzazione determinano una marcata ipossia in un�ampia area al largo della foce del Po.

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Abstract: In the Southern Adriatic depression nitrogen and phosphorous salts are concentrated in the bottom water. The Redfield ratio, same 29, is higher at Pomo and D transect, mostly on the bottom, because phosphorous is limiting and nitrogen is abundant. Northern waters influence this southern area, together with surface and intermediate waters coming from Ionian sea, and western shelf waters which tend to sink to the bottom. Key-words: Adriatic Sea, thermohaline characteristics, nutrient salts, Redfield ratio

Abstract: The Middle Adriatic depressions (Fig. 1), or Pomo Pits (maximum depth 270 m), are characterised by a water mass that resides there throughout the year: the Middle Adriatic Deep Water - MAdDW (Franco, 1972; Artegiani et al., 1997). From spring to autumn, this is the coldest water mass in the Mediterranean basin. Climatologically, it has a temperature of 11.62 °C, salinity of 38.47, density anomaly > 29.2 kg m-3. In late winter � early spring, a denser water mass (the Northern Adriatic Dense Water � NAdDW), which forms in winter in the Northern Adriatic shelf, arrives in the Pomo Pits and renews the resident bottom waters. The Pomo Pits area is important for climatic studies, being a test site where significant fluctuations of the dense water formed in the Northern Adriatic are �memorised�. The fact that it is one of the main nurseries of the Adriatic Sea for hake, Merluccius merluccius, and a site where Norway lobsters, Nephrops norvegicus, grow lends it considerable biological and economic importance (Zupanovic & Jardas, 1986; Froglia & Gramitto, 1981). Oceanographic data collected in the Pomo Pits area from 1980 to 1998 between latitudes 42° 20� N and 43° 40� N are presented and examined. From 1993 to 1996 data were obtained in the framework of Italian (AMEX, PRISMA) and international research programmes (ELNA). Data on water temperature, salinity, density anomaly, as well as dissolved oxygen and main dissolved-nutrient concentrations (nitrate, orthoposphate and silicate) are examined and discussed.

Abstract: In Italy suitable standard scenarios for pesticide risk assessment based on computer models are lacking. In this paper we examine the use of the VARLEACHmodel to assess the potential danger of ground-water pollution by six herbicides (alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine, linuron, simazine and terbuthylazine) which are used to protect irrigated (maize) and non-irrigated (sorghum) crops in the Po Plain, one of the most important agricultural lands in Italy. Two extreme scenarios are taken: real worst case (sandy soil) and real best case (clay loam soil). The simulation suggests that cyanazine, linuron and terbuthylazine can be safely used in clay loam soil in both non-irrigated and irrigated crops, while alachlor, atrazine and simazine can be safely used only in non-irrigated crops. On the other hand, the application of all the herbicides tested should be avoided in sandy soil, with the exception of linuron in non-irrigated crops.

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Abstract: The ability of Pesticide Root Zone Model (PRZM-2) to simulate the movement of napropamide and pendimethalin residues in the tobacco crop was evaluated using the soil properties and amounts of rainfall and irrigation in three field trials conducted in two unsaturated zone fields in the ploughed layer (0-40 cm). The results of PRZM-2 simulation do not agree with observed field data, which also show a high variability. The cause of this discrepancy may be attributed to the 40 cm deep ploughing of the soil not followed by other agronomical practices that reduce the superficial clod size, thus generating the large voids responsible for the displacement of pesticide to the ploughing depth. For pendimethalin the discrepancy may be enhanced by the higher volatility of this pesticide.

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