Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Benthic trophic status of aquatic transitional environments with distinct morphological and dynamic characteristics on the south-western Atlantic coast

Ana Laura Pita A , Luis Giménez B , Noelia Kandratavicius C , Pablo Muniz C and Natalia Venturini A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Laboratorio de Biogeoquímica Marina (LABIM), Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.

B School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, LL59 5AB, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK.

C Oceanografía y Ecología Marina, Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.

D Corresponding author. Email: rulo@fcien.edu.uy

Marine and Freshwater Research 68(11) 2028-2040 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF16284
Submitted: 15 August 2016  Accepted: 1 March 2017   Published: 20 April 2017

Abstract

The benthic trophic status of Uruguayan coastal estuarine habitats (permanently open estuaries and open or closed coastal lagoons) was evaluated, twice in 1 year and at different spatial scales, using the amount and biochemical composition of the sedimentary organic matter. Nested hierarchical ANOVAs were applied to evaluate differences at the habitat level, among sites for each type of estuarine habitat (three estuaries and three lagoons) and between sectors located at different distances from the sea (inner v. outer sectors). Morphological and hydrodynamic differences between the two types of habitats explained site-to-site variations in eutrophic conditions in the open or closed coastal lagoons and meso-oligotrophic conditions in permanently open estuaries. These differences followed the patterns found for sediment grain size, with inner sectors (lower-energy areas) favouring the accumulation of finer sediments and higher amounts of degraded–detrital organic matter. In autumn, biochemical parameters indicated the dominance of aged and more degraded organic matter, with both types of habitats having a low nutritional value no matter which sector was considered. By contrast, in spring, biochemical composition showed the prevalence of fresh and more labile sedimentary organic matter with a high food value, especially in the outer sectors.

Additional keywords: coastal lagoons, estuaries, spatial scales, Uruguay.


References

Albertelli, G., Covazzi-Harriague, A., Danovaro, R., Fabiano, M., Fraschetti, S., and Pusceddu, A. (1999). Differential responses of bacteria, meiofauna and macrofauna in a shelf area (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean): role of food availability. Journal of Sea Research 42, 11–26.
Differential responses of bacteria, meiofauna and macrofauna in a shelf area (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean): role of food availability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Aubriot, L., Conde, D., Bonilla, S., Hein, V., and Britos, A. (2005). Vulnerabilidad de una laguna costera en una reserva de la biosfera: indicios recientes de eutrofización. In ‘Eutrofización de Lagos y Embalses’. (Eds I. Vila and J. Pizarro.) pp. 65–85. (CYTED XVIIB: Santiago, Chile.)

Bricker, S. B., Ferreira, J. G., and Simas, T. (2003). An integrated methodology for assessment of estuarine trophic status. Ecological Modelling 169, 39–60.
An integrated methodology for assessment of estuarine trophic status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXotlWksbk%3D&md5=b2e73ca7a149f7b122a9efc34de2536aCAS |

Cividanes, S., Incera, M., and Lopéz, J. (2002). Temporal variability in the biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter in an intertidal flat of the Galician coast (NW Spain). Oceanologica Acta 25, 1–12.
Temporal variability in the biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter in an intertidal flat of the Galician coast (NW Spain).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XksVyhuro%3D&md5=4c656c3b5932283f53b5d9bf09335b8eCAS |

Clarke, K. R., and Warwick, R. M. (1994). ‘Change in Marine Communities: an Approach to Statistical Analysis and Interpretation.’ (Plymouth Marine Laboratory: Plymouth, UK.)

Cloern, J. E. (2001). Our evolving conceptual model of coastal eutrophication problem. Marine Ecology Progress Series 210, 223–253.
Our evolving conceptual model of coastal eutrophication problem.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXisV2hsrw%3D&md5=43680e0d36cbb417bb582ed74f464852CAS |

Conde, D., and Rodríguez-Gallego, L. (2002). ‘Problemática ambiental y gestión de las lagunas costeras atlánticas de Uruguay. In ‘Perfil Ambiental del Uruguay 2002’. (Eds A. Domínguez and R. Prieto.) pp. 149–166. (NORDAN: Montevideo, Uruguay.)

Conde, D., and Sommaruga, R. (1999). A review of the state of limnology in Uruguay. In ‘Limnology in Developing Countries’. (Eds Wetzel and Gopal.) pp. 1–31. (International Science Publisher: New Delhi, India.)

Conde, D., Bonilla, S., Aubriot, L., De Leon, R., and Pintos, W. (1999). Comparison of the areal amount of chlorophyll a of planktonic and attached microalgae in a shallow coastal lagoon. Hydrobiologia 408/409, 285–291.
Comparison of the areal amount of chlorophyll a of planktonic and attached microalgae in a shallow coastal lagoon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Conde, D., Rodríguez-Gallego, L., and Rodríguez-Graña, L. (2003). Análisis conceptual de las Interacciones abióticas y biológicas entre el océano y las lagunas de la costa atlántica de Uruguay. PNUD/GEF/RLA/99/G31 (FREPLATA-Ciencias 8), Sección Limnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Danovaro, R. (2010). ‘Methods for the Study of Deep-Sea Sediments, their Functioning and Biodiversity.’ (CRC Press: New York, NY, USA.)

Danovaro, R., and Fabiano, M. (1997). Seasonal changes in quality and quantity of food available for benthic suspension-feeders in the Golfo Marconi (north-western Mediterranean). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 44, 723–736.
Seasonal changes in quality and quantity of food available for benthic suspension-feeders in the Golfo Marconi (north-western Mediterranean).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXkslaiu7s%3D&md5=d4a2617a2c8b1f2c2b207278d8ca2c6cCAS |

Danovaro, R., Fabiano, M., and Della Croce, N. (1993). Labile organic matter and microbial biomasses in deep-sea sediments (eastern Mediterranean Sea). Deep-Sea Research 40, 953–965.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXmtV2qs7s%3D&md5=19e276e09cd7e9aec8ecbe868fb64944CAS |

Danovaro, R., Marrale, D., Della Croce, N., Parodi, P., and Fabiano, M. (1999). Biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter and bacterial distribution in the Aegean Sea: trophic state and pelagic-benthic coupling. Journal of Sea Research 42, 117–129.
Biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter and bacterial distribution in the Aegean Sea: trophic state and pelagic-benthic coupling.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXls12msL4%3D&md5=c063880fce4c1357de458c873d65fb28CAS |

de Carvalho Aguiar, V. M. C., Abuchacra, P. F. F., and Baptista Neto, J. A. (2013). Biogeochemistry of Jurujuba Sound, concerning phosphorous dynamics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Journal of Coastal Research 65, 1–6.

de Jonge, V. E. (1980). Fluctuations in the organic carbon to chlorophyll a ratios for estuarine benthic diatom populations. Marine Ecology Progress Series 2, 345–353.
Fluctuations in the organic carbon to chlorophyll a ratios for estuarine benthic diatom populations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXislKjtw%3D%3D&md5=0d4f54356d1891b498748971e5223cb0CAS |

Defeo, O., Horta, S., Carranza, A., Lercari, D., de Alava, A., Gómez, J., Martínez, G., Lozoya, J. P., and Celentano, E. (2009). Hacia una implementación de áreas marinas protegidas como herramienta para el manejo y conservación de la fauna marina costera. PDT-S/C/OP/07/49-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, DINARA-MGAP, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Dell’Anno, A., Mei, M. L., and Danovaro, R. (2002). Assessing the trophic state and eutrophication of coastal marine system: a new approach based on the biochemical composition of sediment organic matter. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44, 611–622.
Assessing the trophic state and eutrophication of coastal marine system: a new approach based on the biochemical composition of sediment organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XlsVKgt7s%3D&md5=a4ece53880d96d9ed6201d22ef849cb9CAS |

Dell’Anno, A., Pusceddu, A., Langone, L., and Danovaro, R. (2008). Bochemical composition and early diagenesis of organic matter in coastal sediments of the NW Adriatic Sea influenced by riverine inputs. Chemistry and Ecology 24, 75–85.
Bochemical composition and early diagenesis of organic matter in coastal sediments of the NW Adriatic Sea influenced by riverine inputs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXit1Clu78%3D&md5=d67088e2fe53932376c7cacfc84adb9cCAS |

Diamond, J. L., and Case, T. J. (1986). ‘Community Ecology.’ (Harper & Row: New York, NY, USA.)

Fabiano, M., and Danovaro, R. (1994). Composition of organic matter in sediments facing a river estuary (Tyrrhenian Sea): relationships with bacteria and microphytobenthic biomass. Hydrobiologia 277, 71–84.
Composition of organic matter in sediments facing a river estuary (Tyrrhenian Sea): relationships with bacteria and microphytobenthic biomass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXisl2gs7w%3D&md5=29ca59280c44d0dc69cf3bbc32548337CAS |

Fabiano, M., Danovaro, R., and Fraschetti, S. (1995). A three-year time series of elemental and biochemical of organic matter in subtidal sand sediments of the Ligurian Sea (northwestern Mediterranean). Continental Shelf Research 15, 1453–1469.
A three-year time series of elemental and biochemical of organic matter in subtidal sand sediments of the Ligurian Sea (northwestern Mediterranean).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ferreira, J. G., Andersen, J. H., Borja, A., Bricker, S. B., Camp, J., da Silva, C. M., Garcés, E., Heiskanen, A. S., Humborg, C., Ignatiades, L., Lancelot, C., Menesguen, A., Tett, P., Hoepffner, N., and Claussen, U. (2011). Overview of eutrophication indicators to assess environmental status within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 93, 117–131.
Overview of eutrophication indicators to assess environmental status within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXmslOntbc%3D&md5=8c499da737cb51ca443c7584adfecedcCAS |

Galois, R., Blanchard, G., Seguignes, M., Huet, V., and Joassard, L. (2000). Spatial distribution of sediment particulate organic matter on two estuarine mufllats: a comparison between Marennes-Oléron Bay (France) and the Humber estuary. Continental Shelf Research 20, 1199–1217.
Spatial distribution of sediment particulate organic matter on two estuarine mufllats: a comparison between Marennes-Oléron Bay (France) and the Humber estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gerchakov, S. M., and Hatcher, P. G. (1972). Improved technique for analysis of carbohydrates in the sediment. Limnology and Oceanography 17, 938–943.
Improved technique for analysis of carbohydrates in the sediment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE3sXkvVehurs%3D&md5=867872873ca83b4229c43083a9881e68CAS |

Giménez, L., Borthagaray, A., Rodríguez, M., Brazeiro, A., and Dimitriadis, C. (2005). Scale-dependent patterns of macroinfaunal distribution in soft sediment intertidal habitats along a large-scale estuarine gradient. Helgoland Marine Research 59, 224–236.
Scale-dependent patterns of macroinfaunal distribution in soft sediment intertidal habitats along a large-scale estuarine gradient.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Giménez, L., Dimitriadis, C., Carranza, A., Borthagaray, A., and Rodríguez, M. (2006). Unravelling the complex structure of a benthic community: a multiscale-multianalytical approach to an estuarine sanfllat. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 68, 462–472.
Unravelling the complex structure of a benthic community: a multiscale-multianalytical approach to an estuarine sanfllat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Giménez, L., Venturini, N., Kandratavicius, N., Hutton, M., Lanfranconi, A., Rodríguez, M., Brugnoli, E., and Muniz, P. (2014). Macrofaunal patterns and animal-sediment relationships in Uruguayan estuaries and coastal lagoons (Atlantic coast of South America). Journal of Sea Research 87, 46–55.
Macrofaunal patterns and animal-sediment relationships in Uruguayan estuaries and coastal lagoons (Atlantic coast of South America).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Glasgow, H. B., and Burkholder, J. M. (2000). Water quality trends and management implications from a five-year study of a eutrophic estuary. Ecological Applications 10, 1024–1046.
Water quality trends and management implications from a five-year study of a eutrophic estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hartree, E. F. (1972). Determination of proteins: a modification of the Lowry method that give a linear photometric response. Analytical Biochemistry 48, 422–427.
Determination of proteins: a modification of the Lowry method that give a linear photometric response.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE38XksVGjur0%3D&md5=83f5047ad8e6840559099bdb529318e1CAS |

Incera, M., Cividanes, S. P., Lastra, M., and López, J. (2003). Temporal variability of sedimentary organic matter in sandy beaches on the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 58, 55–61.
Temporal variability of sedimentary organic matter in sandy beaches on the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXotlWlt7s%3D&md5=9a0872c2eecd6f5acd18a6f0ca16b156CAS |

Joseph, M. M., Kumar, C. S. R., Kumar, T. R. G., Renjith, K. R., and Chandramohanakumar, N. (2008). Biogeochemistry of surficial sediments in intertidal system of a tropical environment. Chemistry and Ecology 24, 247–258.
Biogeochemistry of surficial sediments in intertidal system of a tropical environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtVWnsbbN&md5=ade55e6abb2c3533b8608c9ec4593025CAS |

Kandratavicius, N., Muniz, P., Venturini, N., and Giménez, L. (2015). Meiobenthic communities in permanently open estuaries and open/closed coastal lagoons of Uruguay (Atlantic coast of South America). Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 163, 44–53.
Meiobenthic communities in permanently open estuaries and open/closed coastal lagoons of Uruguay (Atlantic coast of South America).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Knoppers, B. (1994). Aquatic primary production in coastal lagoons. In ‘Coastal Lagoon Processes’. (Ed. B. Kjerfve.) Elsevier Oceanography Series 60, pp. 243–285. (Elsevier: Amsterdam, Netherlands.)

Levin, S. A. (1992). The problem of pattern and scale in ecology. Ecology 73, 1943–1967.
The problem of pattern and scale in ecology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lorenzen, C. J. (1967). Determination of chlorophyll and pheopigments: spectrofotometric equations. Limnology and Oceanography 12, 343–346.
Determination of chlorophyll and pheopigments: spectrofotometric equations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF1cXovFOqsQ%3D%3D&md5=2c0cf6bf6dbc43bfadbfaf5beb67aa16CAS |

Lucas, C. H., Widdows, J., and Wall, L. (2003). Relating spatial and temporal variability in sediment chlorophyll-a and carbohydrate distribution with erodibility of a tidal flat. Estuaries 26, 885–893.
Relating spatial and temporal variability in sediment chlorophyll-a and carbohydrate distribution with erodibility of a tidal flat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Marsh, J. B., and Weinstein, D. B. (1966). Simple charring methods for determination of lipids. Journal of Lipid Research 7, 574–576.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaF28XksV2ltro%3D&md5=2fd2b4d5d9a59272b43133628187176aCAS |

Meerhoff, E., Rodríguez-Gallego, L., Giménez, L., Muniz, P., and Conde, D. (2013). Spatial patterns of macrofaunal community structure in coastal lagoons of Uruguay. Marine Ecology Progress Series 492, 97–110.
Spatial patterns of macrofaunal community structure in coastal lagoons of Uruguay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moreno, S., and Niell, F. X. (2004). Scales of variability in the sediment chlorophyll content of the shallow Palmones River Estuary, Spain. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 60, 49–57.
Scales of variability in the sediment chlorophyll content of the shallow Palmones River Estuary, Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXjtlCjsbg%3D&md5=536d994156f03a98251da170e500aea7CAS |

Nagy, G. J., Sans, K., Lagomarsino, J. J., and André, E. (2004). Estado trófico y cargas de efluentes al Río de la Plata y Océano Atlántico (reporte 4). Convenio FREPLATA–DINAMA–Facultad de Ciencias: evaluación de las cargas de contaminantes aportadas por los afluentes del Río de la Plata y Océano Atlántico en la costa uruguaya. Sección Oceanología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Nixon, S. W. (1995). Coastal marine eutrophication: a definition, social causes, and future concerns. Ophelia 41, 199–219.
Coastal marine eutrophication: a definition, social causes, and future concerns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Perissinotto, R., Strectch, D. D., Whitfied, A. K., Adam, J. B., Forbes, A. T., and Demetriades, N. T. (2010). Ecosystem functioning of temporarily open/closed estuaries in South Africa. In ‘Estuaries: Types, Movement Patterns and Climatical Impacts’. (Eds J. E. Crane and A. E. Solomon.) pp. 1–69. (Nova Science Publishers: New York, NY, USA.)

Pusceddu, A., Sarà, G., Fabiano, M., and Mazzola, A. (1999). Seasonal and spatial changes in the sediment organic matter of a semi-enclosed marine system (W-Mediterranean Sea). Hydrobiologia 397, 59–70.
Seasonal and spatial changes in the sediment organic matter of a semi-enclosed marine system (W-Mediterranean Sea).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXntFOntro%3D&md5=2d63df3fa799c87648294c62f678a697CAS |

Pusceddu, A., Dell’Anno, A., Danovaro, R., Manini, E., Gianluca, S., and Fabiano, M. (2003). Enzymatically hydrolyzable protein and carbohydrate sedimentary pools as indicators of the trophic state of detritus sink systems: a case study in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon. Estuaries 26, 641–650.
Enzymatically hydrolyzable protein and carbohydrate sedimentary pools as indicators of the trophic state of detritus sink systems: a case study in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXhtVWlu7jL&md5=c1d356bbc7f969a682caa7698d7b2753CAS |

Pusceddu, A., Grémare, A., Escoubeyroub, K., Amourouxb, J. M., Fiordelmondoa, C., and Danovaro, R. (2005). Impact of natural (storm) and anthropogenic (trawling) sediment resuspension on particulate organic matter in coastal environments. Continental Shelf Research 25, 2506–2520.
Impact of natural (storm) and anthropogenic (trawling) sediment resuspension on particulate organic matter in coastal environments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pusceddu, A., Gambi, C., Manini, E., and Danovaro, R. (2007). Trophic state, ecosystem efficiency and biodiversity of transitional aquatic ecosystem: analysis of environmental quality based on different benthic indicators. Chemistry and Ecology 23, 505–515.
Trophic state, ecosystem efficiency and biodiversity of transitional aquatic ecosystem: analysis of environmental quality based on different benthic indicators.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhsVKgtL7E&md5=6b1a6847f16e6891819533e878874b05CAS |

Pusceddu, A., Dell’Anno, A., Fabiano, M., and Danovaro, R. (2009). Quantity and bioavailability of sediment organic matter as signatures of benthic trophic status. Marine Ecology Progress Series 375, 41–52.
Quantity and bioavailability of sediment organic matter as signatures of benthic trophic status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXjslagu7Y%3D&md5=43210b2f860432e2a812b033af3586e7CAS |

Pusceddu, A., Bianchelli, S., Gambi, C., and Danovaro, R. (2011). Assessment of benthic trophic status of marine coastal ecosystems: significance of meiofaunal rare taxa. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 93, 420–430.
Assessment of benthic trophic status of marine coastal ecosystems: significance of meiofaunal rare taxa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXptVCis7o%3D&md5=5a19e575005993f9d40fdd72ca93740bCAS |

Rice, D. L. (1982). The detritus nitrogen problem: new observations and perspectives from organic geochemistry. Marine Ecology Progress Series 9, 153–162.
The detritus nitrogen problem: new observations and perspectives from organic geochemistry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL38XlsVers7c%3D&md5=8ea668487bdb74ec06b34cc585357a12CAS |

Rodríguez-Gallego, L. (2010). Eutrofización de las lagunas costeras de Uruguay: impacto y optimización de los usos del suelo. Ph.D. Thesis, PEDECIBA, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.

Suguio, K. (1973). ‘Introduçao à Sedimentología.’ (Edgard Blücher: Sao Paulo, Brazil.)

Sündback, K. (1983). Microphytobenthos on sand in shallow brackish water. Öresund Sweden. Primary production, chlorophyll a content and spices composition (diatom) in relation to some ecological factors. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Systematic Botany, University of Lund, Sweden.

Tselepides, A., Dell’Anno, A., Polychronaki, T., Akoumianaki, I., Marrale, D., Pusceddu, A., Fabiano, M., and Danovaro, R. (2000). Organic matter composition of the continental shelf and bathyal sediments of the Cretan Sea (NE Mediterranean). Progress in Oceanography 46, 311–344.
Organic matter composition of the continental shelf and bathyal sediments of the Cretan Sea (NE Mediterranean).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Turner, R. K., Georgiou, S., Gren, I., Wulff, F., Barrett, S., Söderqvist, T., Bateman, I. J., Folke, C., Langaas, S., Zylicz, T., Karl-Goran Mäler, K., and Markowska, A. (1999). Managing nutrient fluxes and pollution in the Baltic: an interdisciplinary simulation study. Ecological Economics 30, 333–352.
Managing nutrient fluxes and pollution in the Baltic: an interdisciplinary simulation study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Venturini, N., Pires-Vanin, A. M. S., Salhi, M., Bessonart, M., and Muniz, P. (2011). Polychaete response to fresh food supply at organically enriched coastal sites: repercussion on bioturbation potential and trophic structure. Journal of Marine Systems 88, 526–541.
Polychaete response to fresh food supply at organically enriched coastal sites: repercussion on bioturbation potential and trophic structure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Venturini, N., Pita, A. L., Brugnoli, E., García-Rodríguez, F., Burone, L., Kandratavicius, N., Hutton, M., and Muniz, P. (2012). Benthic trophic status of sediments in a metropolitan area (Rio de la Plata estuary): linkages with natural and human pressures. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 112, 139–152.
Benthic trophic status of sediments in a metropolitan area (Rio de la Plata estuary): linkages with natural and human pressures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XhsVartrzE&md5=946ce96443bed5944ed3bed43ea4dc24CAS |

Vezzulli, L., and Fabiano, M. (2006). Sediment biochemical and microbial variables for the evaluation of trophic status along the Italian and Albanian continental shelves. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 86, 27–37.
Sediment biochemical and microbial variables for the evaluation of trophic status along the Italian and Albanian continental shelves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XjtVyktg%3D%3D&md5=1ae26fa87c0dda4eb9acee725beae852CAS |

Welker, C., Sdrigotti, E., Covelli, S., and Faganelli, J. (2002). Microphytobenthos in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea): relationships with labile sedimentary organic matter and nutrients. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 55, 259–273.
Microphytobenthos in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea): relationships with labile sedimentary organic matter and nutrients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XmsF2msbw%3D&md5=edee9fefd642a58cd45ada9a8dcf19c9CAS |

Zar, J. H. (1999). ‘Biostatistical Analysis.’ (Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA.)