Projects / Programmes
Trophic gradients and pelagic-benthic coupling (Gulf of Trieste, Adriatic Sea)
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
1.03.03 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Ecosystems |
Code |
Science |
Field |
B260 |
Biomedical sciences |
Hydrobiology, marine biology, aquatic ecology, limnology |
trophic state, mucilage, macroaggregates, plankton, Gulf of Trieste, Adriatic Sea
Researchers (11)
Organisations (1)
no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
1. |
0105 |
National Institute of Biology |
Ljubljana |
5055784 |
13,256 |
Abstract
Overall objective of the research project is characterization of the trophic state of the Gulf of Trieste with emphasis on plankton processes in relation to nutrient and hydrographic conditions, on the development of mucilage macroaggregates, and other harmful phenomena (algal blooms, hypoxia/anoxia). Field work is mainly carried out in the periods critical for the development of mucilage and hypoxia in the bottom layer (April - October). Field research is complemented by a model system chosen to simulate the plankton processes and the effects of nutrient additions. Natural phytoplankton are incubated in situ with the addition of different combination of macronutrients. The effects of nutrients are followed by monitoring of primary and bacterial production and biomass, abundance and structure of phytoplankton, concentrations of pigment biomarkers, and particulate and dissolved organic matter (DOC, DON, POC, PON, dissolved and particulate mono- and polysaccharides). Variability of the trophic state is also assessed on the basis of long-term seasonal and inte-annual plankton variability in relation to nutrient and hydrographic conditions of the Gulf of Trieste.