70 results on '"Signa G."'
Search Results
2. Diet, feeding intensity and stress markers in the henslow's swimming crab Polybius henslowi (Leach, 1820) from the Galician and Cantabrian Coasts (NW Spain)
- Author
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Signa, G., Cartes, Joan Enric, Solé, Montserrat, Serrano, Alberto, Sánchez, Francisco, Signa, G, Cartes, JE, Solé, M, Serrano, A, and Sánchez, F)
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portunid ,decapod ,biomarker ,diet ,Galicia - Abstract
Symposium GLOBEC-IMBER España celebrado del 28-30 marzo de 2007 en Valencia.-- 1 page, The diet and the feeding intensity of the portunid swimming crab, Polybius henslowi were studied during the spring of 2004, in an area comprising the Galician and the W Cantabrian Sea (NW Iberian Peninsula) at depths ranging from 78 to 327 m in the continental shelf. The entire area had been affected by the “Prestige” oil spill in November 2002, though the different sectors studied displayed different level of pollution/oil impact. A total of 342 specimens were collected in 25 bottom hauls and analyzed for diet composition. Stomach fullness was compared between three impacted sectors: (1) Miño River and Finisterre Cape (MF), (2) Finisterre and Estaca de Bares Cape (FE), and (3) Estaca and Peñas Cape (EP). Stomach fullness was lower in FE, although significant differences (Mann Withney test) between sectors were not reached. Diet (wet weight) consisted of a mixture of pelagic and benthic prey. Cephalopods (Ilex sp.), brachyurans (Polybius henslowi) and polychetes (e.g. Glycera spp.) were the main prey items found. Other important prey were Beloniform eggs and fish remains. Polychetes were especially abundant in MF, and Polybius henslowi in EP. Two stress markers were studied in twelve P. henslowi specimens from each of the 3 affected sectors. Neither acetylcholinesterase (a neurotoxic marker) nor lipid peroxidation (a marker of oxidative stress) were seen affected by the sampling area. Variations in the studied variables will be analysed in relation to changes in environmental factors (T, S, sediment nature), surface productivity (Chl a by satellite imagery) and tar aggregates concentration in the sediments
- Published
- 2007
3. Relazioni tra le caratteristiche geochimiche dei sedimenti e le comunità macrobentoniche nei laghi di Capo Peloro (Messina, italia)
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Signa, G., D’Agata, A., Giacobbe, S., Bergamasco, A., Signa, G, D'Agata, A, Giacobbe, S, and Bergamasco, A
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Sedimenti, TOC, LOI, Macrozoobenthos, lagune - Published
- 2006
4. Relazioni tra contenuto di materia organica, carbonio organico e granulometria nei sedimenti di aree di transizione
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Signa, G., D'Agata, Alessia, Leonardi, M., Bergamasco, A., Signa, G, Leonardi, M, D'Agata, A, Bergamasco, A, D’agata, A, and Bergamasco, A)
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granulometria ,sedimenti ,carbonio organico ,TOC ,Lagune ,materia organica, carbonio organico, granulometria, aree di transizione ,materia organica ,aree di transizione - Abstract
To describe the geochemical features of the sediments in nine sicilian coastal lakes, 78 samples of surface sediments were collected in July 2005. Analyses of Nitrogen, Total Organic Carbon, Organic Matter, Carbonates and Grainsize were performed. A better correlation between the Organic Matter, evaluated through the Sequential-LOI, and TOC was found at 350 °C, rather than at 450 °C. Statistical analysis confirmed the similarities of the trends of TOC and LOI350 in the samples pooled according to the dominant grainsize, with the highest values associated to the medium sand fraction. The differences among the median values of the groups were significant (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis; P
- Published
- 2006
5. Le aree di transizione siciliane: stato dell'arte e sviluppi futuri
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Mazzola A., Azzaro F., Azzaro M., Bergamasco A., Calvo S., Caruso G., Chemello R., Decembrini F., Giaccone G., Giacobbe S., Gianguzza P., Guglielmo L., Leonardi M., Monticelli L.S., Pernice G., Riggio S., Sarà G., Signa G., Tomasello A., Vizzini S., and Zagami G.
- Published
- 2008
6. Trophic ecology of the swimming crab Polybius henslowii Leach, 1820 in Galician and Cantabrian Seas: Influences of natural variability and the Prestige oil spill
- Author
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Signa, G., Cartes, J.E., Solé, M., Serrano, Alberto, Signa, G., Cartes, J.E., Solé, M., and Serrano, Alberto
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- 2008
7. Contamination by trace metals and their trophic transfer to the biota in a Mediterranean coastal system affected by gull guano
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Signa, G, primary, Tramati, CD, additional, and Vizzini, S, additional
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- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Development of the wing buds in Megoura viciae Bukt. (Homoptera: Aphididae)
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Mola, Lucrezia, Signa, G., Barozzi, G., Bonvicini pagliai, A. M., and Benedetti, Ivan
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Aphids ,development ,ultrastructure - Published
- 1996
9. Trophic ecology of the swimming crab Polybius henslowii Leach, 1820 in Galician and Cantabrian Seas: Influences of natural variability and the Prestige oil spill
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Signa, G., primary, Cartes, J.E., additional, Solé, M., additional, Serrano, A., additional, and Sánchez, F., additional
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- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Development of the wing buds in megoura viciae: A morphological study
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Ganassi, S., Signa, G., and Lucrezia Mola
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Aphids ,dimorphism ,development ,wing buds
11. Limited Stress Response to Transplantation in the Mediterranean Macroalga Ericaria amentacea, a Key Species for Marine Forest Restoration
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Silvia Chemello, Geraldina Signa, Antonio Mazzola, Tania Ribeiro Pereira, Isabel Sousa Pinto, Salvatrice Vizzini, Chemello S., Signa G., Mazzola A., Ribeiro Pereira T., Sousa Pinto I., and Vizzini S.
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coastal restoration ,habitat conservation ,reforestation ,Cystoseira ,acclimation ,fatty acids ,phenolic compounds ,lipids ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Cystoseira, acclimation, coastal restoration, fatty acids, habitat conservation, lipids, phenolic compounds, reforestation - Abstract
In the Mediterranean Sea, brown macroalgae represent the dominant species in intertidal and subtidal habitats. Despite conservation efforts, these canopy-forming species showed a dramatic decline, highlighting the urge for active intervention to regenerate self-sustaining populations. For this reason, the restoration of macroalgae forests through transplantation has been recognized as a promising approach. However, the potential stress caused by the handling of thalli has never been assessed. Here, we used a manipulative approach to assess the transplant-induced stress in the Mediterranean Ericaria amentacea, through the analysis of biochemical proxies, i.e., phenolic compounds, lipids, and fatty acids in both transplanted and natural macroalgae over time. The results showed that seasonal environmental variability had an important effect on the biochemical composition of macroalgae, suggesting the occurrence of acclimation responses to summer increased temperature and light irradiance. Transplant-induced stress appears to have only amplified the biochemical response, probably due to increased sensitivity of the macroalgae already subjected to mechanical and osmotic stress (e.g., handling, wounding, desiccation). The ability of E. amentacea to cope with both environmental and transplant-induced stress highlights the high plasticity of the species studied, as well as the suitability of transplantation of adult thalli to restore E. amentacea beds.
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- 2022
12. Environmental effects of tourism and its seasonality on Mediterranean islands: the contribution of the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project to build up an approach towards sustainable tourism
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Antonio Mazzola, Agostino Tomasello, Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Cristina Andolina, Andolina C., Signa G., Tomasello A., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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Sustainable development ,Economics and Econometrics ,Coastal management ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Mitigation ,Bioindicator ,Geography, Planning and Development ,010501 environmental sciences ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Integrated approach ,01 natural sciences ,Geography ,Stakeholders ,Sustainability ,Waste ,Microalgae ,Environmental impact assessment ,Mediterranean Islands ,Environmental planning ,Tourism ,Sustainable tourism ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
The Mediterranean basin is amongst the world’s main tourist destination, and its islands are a major attraction, being sites of historical, cultural and naturalistic importance. This is beneficial for the local economies, but it may also represent a great burden on the coastal environment, where other human pressures are concentrated. The awareness of detrimental side effects of tourism together with the importance to take into account social and economic facets has led to the concept of sustainable tourism, which, however, represents a goal far from being attained. A good opportunity to promote sustainable tourism was provided by the Interreg MED BLUEISLANDS project, whose main aim was to identify, address and mitigate the effects of the seasonal variation of waste generated by tourism on Mediterranean islands. Here, we present the methodological framework of the project aimed at biomonitoring coastal seawater in highly touristic sites using macroalgae as valuable bioindicators of seawater quality and improving its status through the implementation and assessment of mitigation measures that included also the involvement of stakeholders. Outcomes of the project highlighted the effectiveness of such an integrated approach, confirming the importance of choosing proper indicators and tools that can support the development of management plans aiming to mitigate environmental impact and foster sustainable tourism.
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- 2021
13. Trace elements and stable isotopes in penguin chicks and eggs: A baseline for monitoring the Ross Sea MPA and trophic transfer studies
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Giulio Careddu, Geraldina Signa, Edoardo Calizza, Salvatrice Vizzini, Cecilia Doriana Tramati, Loreto Rossi, Simona Sporta Caputi, Antonio Mazzola, Maria Letizia Costantini, Calizza E., Signa G., Rossi L., Vizzini S., Careddu G., Tramati C.D., Caputi S.S., Mazzola A., and Costantini M.L.
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Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Food Chain ,Zoology ,Antarctic Regions ,Aquatic Science ,Biology ,Oceanography ,Antarctica ,Aptenodytes forsteri ,contamination ,food web ,internal tissues ,Pygoscelis adeliae ,animals ,Antarctic regions ,environmental monitoring ,food chain ,isotopes ,mercury ,Spheniscidae ,trace elements ,Contamination ,Isotopes ,Animals ,Internal tissues ,Trophic level ,δ13C ,Stable isotope ratio ,Baseline (sea) ,food and beverages ,Food web ,δ15N ,Mercury ,Pollution ,Trace Elements ,Marine protected area ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Multi-tissue trace elements (TEs), C, N concentrations and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) of chick carcasses and eggs of Adelie and Emperor penguins were studied to i) provide reference data before the recent institution of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (Antarctica), and ii) provide conversion factors that allow estimating C, N, δ13C and δ15N in edible tissues from non-edible ones, thus improving the use of stable isotopes in contamination and trophic transfer studies. Higher concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn and Pb were found in chick carcasses than in eggs, suggesting increasing contamination in recent decades and high toxicity risks for penguin consumers. Isotopic conversion factors highlighted small differences among body tissues and conspecifics. These values suggest that chick carcasses are reliable indicators of the energy pathways underlying the two penguin species, their trophic position in the food web and their exposure to TEs.
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- 2021
14. Fish assemblages cope with ocean acidification in a shallow volcanic CO2 vent benefiting from an adjacent recovery area
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Alice Mirasole, Salvatrice Vizzini, Antonio Mazzola, Geraldina Signa, Paola Gianguzza, Chiara Bonaviri, Mirasole A., Signa G., Gianguzza P., Bonaviri C., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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0106 biological sciences ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Cymodocea nodosa ,Biodiversity ,Settore BIO/05 - Zoologia ,Juvenile ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Underwater visual census ,Mediterranean sea ,Abundance (ecology) ,CO2 seep ,14. Life underwater ,biology ,Ecology ,pH ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Seagra ,Community structure ,Ocean acidification ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Pollution ,Seagrass ,Fish ,Environmental science ,Common spatial pattern - Abstract
Shallow CO2 vents are used to test ecological hypotheses about the effects of ocean acidification (OA). Here, we studied fish assemblages associated with Cymodocea nodosa meadows exposed to high pCO2/low pH conditions at a natural CO2 vent in the Mediterranean Sea. Using underwater visual census, we assessed fish community structure and biodiversity in a low pH site (close to the CO2 vent), a close control site and a far control site, hypothesising a decline in biodiversity and a homogenization of fish assemblages under OA conditions. Our findings revealed that fish diversity did not show a unique spatial pattern, or even significant relationships with pH, but correlated with seagrass leaf canopy. Among-site similarity was found in the abundance of juveniles, contrary to the expected impacts of OA on early life stages. However, pH seems an important driver in structuring fish assemblage in the low pH site, despite its high similarity with the close control site. This unexpected pattern may represent a combined response of fish mobility, enhanced food resources in the acidified site, and a 'recovery area' effect of the adjacent control site.
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- 2020
15. Ontogenetic trophic segregation between two threatened smooth-hound sharks in the Central Mediterranean Sea
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Manfredi Di Lorenzo, Geraldina Signa, Carlotta Mazzoldi, Salvatrice Vizzini, Gabriele Boscolo Palo, Cristina Andolina, Francesco Colloca, Michele Gristina, Di Lorenzo M., Vizzini S., Signa G., Andolina C., Boscolo Palo G., Gristina M., Mazzoldi C., and Colloca F.
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Male ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,0106 biological sciences ,Conservation of Natural Resources ,Stable isotope analysis ,Behavioural ecology ,Palinurus elephas ,lcsh:Medicine ,Mustelus mustelus ,Zoology ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,mesopredators ,Predation ,Mustelus punctulatus ,Mediterranean Sea ,stable isotope ,Animals ,lcsh:Science ,Trophic cascade ,resource partitioning ,Trophic level ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,lcsh:R ,Interspecific competition ,gut contents ,biology.organism_classification ,Animal Feed ,Food web ,trophic niche ,Isotope Labeling ,Threatened species ,Sharks ,lcsh:Q ,Female - Abstract
Elasmobranchs are among the species most threatened by overfishing and a large body of evidence reports their decline around the world. As they are large predators occupying the highest levels of marine food webs, their removal can alter the trophic web dynamic through predatory release effects and trophic cascade. Suitable management of threatened shark species requires a good understanding of their behaviour and feeding ecology. In this study we provide one of the first assessments of the trophic ecology of the “vulnerable” smooth-hounds Mustelus mustelus and M. punctulatus in the Central Mediterranean Sea, based on stomach contents and stable isotope analyses. Ontogenetic diet changes were addressed by comparing the feeding habits of three groups of individuals: juveniles, maturing and adults. Our results highlighted that the two species share a similar diet based mostly on the consumption of benthic crustaceans (e.g. hermit crabs). Their trophic level increases during ontogeny, with adults increasing their consumption of large-sized crustaceans (e.g. Calappa granulata, Palinurus elephas), cephalopods (e.g. Octopus vulgaris) and fish (e.g. Trachurus trachurus). Our results provide also evidence of ontogenetic shifts in diet for both species showing a progressive reduction of interspecific trophic overlap during growth. The results of this study contribute to improve the current knowledge on the trophic ecology of these two threatened sharks in the Strait of Sicily, thus providing a better understanding of their role in the food web.
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- 2020
16. Formulation of a new sustainable feed from food industry discards for rearing the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
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Antonio Mazzola, Concetta Maria Messina, Laura Ciriminna, Antonino Vaccaro, Salvatrice Vizzini, Geraldina Signa, Ciriminna L., Signa G., Vaccaro A.M., Messina C.M., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Food industry ,biology ,business.industry ,echinoculture ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,sustainability ,Discards ,Paracentrotus lividus ,Fishery ,Blue economy ,Aquaculture ,aquaculture ,Settore AGR/20 - Zoocolture ,biology.animal ,Sustainability ,fatty acid ,blue economy ,business ,Sea urchin ,feedstuff - Abstract
The lack of suitable feeds for echinoculture has led to use natural resources already widely exploited by human activities. To move towards a higher sustainability of echinoculture, this study proposes a sustainable feed for Paracentrotus lividus. Two experimental formulations were obtained using discarded endive (Cichorium endivia) leaves and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) industry discards in different proportions, and agar as a binder. The evaluation of the feed stability showed that the feed was stable for 72hr, allowing a suitable feeding for sea urchins. Both formulations showed a proper nutritional value and fatty acid profile, corresponding to the features of the main ingredients and resulting suitable for echinoculture. A bioenergetic trial was carried out to measure daily ingestion rate, absorption efficiency and gonado-somatic index in sea urchins. They resulted also palatable and well absorbed by sea urchins, especially that one with higher fish content. At the end of the experiment, an increase in gonado-somatic index was also recorded. Despite further analysis is needed to assess the performance of the feed in terms of gonad yield and quality, these encouraging results indicate that food industry discards may be suitable alternative ingredients for the production of sustainable feeds for sea urchin aquaculture.
- Published
- 2020
17. δ15N in deployed macroalgae as a tool to monitor nutrient input driven by tourism activities in Mediterranean islands
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Cristina Andolina, Agostino Tomasello, Geraldina Signa, Antonio Mazzola, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa G., Andolina C., Tomasello A., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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0106 biological sciences ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Cystoseira ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,δ15N ,010501 environmental sciences ,Aquatic Science ,Eutrophication ,Oceanography ,GIS ,01 natural sciences ,Pollution ,Fishery ,Mediterranean sea ,Geography ,Biomonitoring ,Indicators ,Seawater ,Mediterranean Islands ,Coastal management ,Tourism ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Trophic level ,Stable isotopes - Abstract
Mediterranean Sea is among the world's leading tourist destinations; however, the sharp increase in tourists during the high season may affect coastal seawater. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and temporal variation of anthropogenic nutrients in coastal seawater in relation to tourist flows in three Mediterranean islands (Cyprus, Sicily and Rhodes), through short-term macroalgae deployments, coupled with δ15N analysis and GIS mapping. In all islands, an overall increase in macroalgae δ15N occurred over the deployment carried out in August in the tourist sites, suggesting the presence of anthropogenic nutrients. Decreasing δ15N values occurred at increasing distance from the coastline in two out of the three islands (Cyprus and Sicily). This study revealed the usefulness of the approach used in the assessment of tourism impact in terms of trophic enrichment and its potential to support competent authorities for the development of sustainable coastal management plans.
- Published
- 2020
18. Turning waste into gold: Sustainable feed made of discards from the food industries promotes gonad development and colouration in the commercial sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816)
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Antonino Vaccaro, Antonio Mazzola, Geraldina Signa, Giulia Visconti, Salvatrice Vizzini, Laura Ciriminna, Ciriminna L., Signa G., Vaccaro Antonino Maurizio, Visconti G., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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Gonad ,Circular economy ,Aquaculture, Blue growth, Circular economy,Roe, Sea urchins, Waste ,SH1-691 ,Aquaculture ,Aquatic Science ,Test (biology) ,Blue growth ,Paracentrotus lividus ,Animal science ,Mediterranean sea ,biology.animal ,Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling ,medicine ,European anchovy ,Roe ,Sea urchins ,Sea urchin ,biology ,urogenital system ,biology.organism_classification ,Discards ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Waste ,embryonic structures ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Development of the gonads - Abstract
Development of sustainable aquaculture practices is a suitable solution to reduce the pressure on overexploited stocks of the Mediterranean sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, and to respond to the increasing market demand. To move forward the Blue Growth and following the principles of circular economy, a three-month feeding experiment was conducted to test a sustainable feed based on food processing discards on sea urchins. Two feed formulations differing on the proportions of the two main ingredients (endive outermost leaves and European anchovy discards in a ratio of 60:40 and 80:20 respectively) were prepared and tested on P. lividus gonad yield, development and quality. The results were compared with those of wild sea urchins to assess the differences with natural patterns. Both feed formulations promoted gonad growth resulting in a significantly higher percentage increase in gonad biomass compared with wild specimens (490%, 330% and 78% increase in gonad weight in the feed 60/40, 80/20 and wild sea urchins respectively). Similarly, GSI of reared sea urchins varied by about 3–12% and 14% for sea urchins fed with feeds 80/20 and 60/40 respectively, while that found in wild sea urchins varied by about 3–5%. Gonad development was also boosted by the provision of the sustainable feed, as sexual maturation was faster in reared specimens than in wild ones. At the end of the trial, reared sea urchins showed also a very high (> 90%) frequency of marketable gonad colour. Lastly, the formulation with a more balanced vegetal/animal ratio (feed 60/40) gave the best results overall, combining the highest GSI and the best gonad colouration. Outcomes of this study confirm the suitability of food processing discards as ingredients for sea urchin feeds, although further research is needed to evaluate the effects on nutritional quality and organoleptic features of sea urchin gonads.
- Published
- 2021
19. Diet and habitat use influence Hg and Cd transfer to fish and consequent biomagnification in a highly contaminated area: Augusta Bay (Mediterranean Sea)
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Cecilia Doriana Tramati, Antonio Mazzola, Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa, G., Mazzola, A., Tramati, C., and Vizzini, S.
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0106 biological sciences ,Food Chain ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Biomagnification ,010501 environmental sciences ,Biology ,Toxicology ,01 natural sciences ,Zooplankton ,Metals, Contamination, Fish, Mercury, Cadmium, Stable isotopes ,Mediterranean Sea ,Animals ,Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ,Ecosystem ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Trophic level ,Nitrogen Isotopes ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Fishes ,Pelagic zone ,Mercury ,General Medicine ,Juvenile fish ,Plankton ,Invertebrates ,Pollution ,Food web ,Diet ,Trace Elements ,Bays ,Benthic zone ,Bay ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Cadmium ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Total mercury (T-Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were measured in twenty species of fish to study their bioaccumulation patterns and trophodynamics in the Augusta Bay food web. Adult and juvenile fish were caught in 2012 in Priolo Bay, south of the Augusta harbour (Central Mediterranean Sea), which is known for the high trace element and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination level. T-Hg concentration was found to significantly increase along δ15N and from pelagic to benthic sedentary fish, revealing a marked influence of trophic position and habitat use (sensu Harmelin 1987) on T-Hg accumulation within ichthyofauna. Cd showed the opposite pattern, in line with the higher trace element (TE) excretion rates of high trophic level fish and the lower level of Cd environmental contamination. Trophic pathways were first characterised in the Priolo Bay food web using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) and a single main trophic pathway characterised the Priolo Bay food web. Biomagnification was then assessed, including basal sources (surface sediment, macroalgae), zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and fish. T-Hg and Cd were found to biomagnify and biodilute respectively based on the significant linear regressions between log[T-Hg] and log[Cd] vs. δ15N of sources and consumers and the trophic magnification factors (TMFs) of 1.22 and 0.83 respectively. Interestingly, different Cd behaviour was found considering only the benthic pathway which leads to the predatory gastropod Hexaplex trunculus. The positive slope and the higher TMF indicated active biomagnification in this benthic food web due to the high bioaccumulation efficiency of this benthic predator. Our findings provide new evidences about the role of Priolo sediments as a sources of pollutants for the food web, representing a threat to fish and, by domino effect, to humans.
- Published
- 2017
20. Seabird influence on ecological processes in coastal marine ecosystems: An overlooked role? A critical review
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Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Antonio Mazzola, Signa G., Mazzola A., and Vizzini S.
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Functional role ,biology ,Ecology ,Waders ,Vulnerability ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Allochthonous input ,Ecosystem services ,Geography ,biology.animal ,Ecological functions ,Waterbirds ,Terrestrial ecosystem ,Marine ecosystem ,Ecosystem ,Seabird ,Aquatic birds ,Trophic level - Abstract
Seabirds are vital, but overlooked, components of coastal marine ecosystems and may connect the marine and terrestrial environment at a global scale, significantly contributing to inter-habitat connectivity and the provision of multiple ecosystem services. Although the ecological and functional role of birds in terrestrial areas, islands in particular, has been deeply studied since the last century, the same does not hold true for coastal marine areas. Given the importance of coastal areas for seabirds worldwide and, at the same time, the high vulnerability of both, looking into the role of seabirds in influencing the ecosystem functioning in coastal areas is needed nowadays. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the role of seabirds on coastal ecological processes giving particular emphasis on the linkage between the seabird functions that are crucial in influencing the ecological processes and the provision of ecosystem services, and disservices, for the human well-being. Seabirds can contribute to shaping coastal ecological processes and services in a multitude of ways, among which directly influencing trophic status, environmental contamination, biodiversity and food webs through trophic (bottom-up or top-down) and non-trophic processes. We identified areas for future research to further clarify this linkage and promote seabird conservation.
- Published
- 2021
21. Small-scale variability in geomorphological settings influences mangrove-derived organic matter export in a tropical bay
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Geraldina Signa, James Gitundu Kairo, Salvatrice Vizzini, Antonio Mazzola, Signa, G, Mazzola, A, Kairo, J, and Vizzini, S
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0106 biological sciences ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,lcsh:Life ,01 natural sciences ,lcsh:QH540-549.5 ,Dissolved organic carbon ,Ecosystem ,Organic matter ,14. Life underwater ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Earth-Surface Processes ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Primary producers ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,lcsh:QE1-996.5 ,fatty acids, stable isotopes, sedimentary organic matter, suspended organic matter ,Coral reef ,15. Life on land ,biology.organism_classification ,lcsh:Geology ,lcsh:QH501-531 ,Oceanography ,Seagrass ,chemistry ,13. Climate action ,Environmental science ,lcsh:Ecology ,Mangrove ,Bay - Abstract
Organic matter (OM) exchanges between adjacent habitats affect the dynamics and functioning of coastal systems, as well as the role of the different primary producers as energy and nutrient sources in food webs. Elemental (C, N, C : N) and isotope (δ13C) signatures and fatty acid (FA) profiles were used to assess the influence of geomorphological setting in two climatic seasons on the export and fate of mangrove OM across a tidally influenced tropical area, Gazi Bay (Kenya). The main results indicate that tidal transport, along with riverine runoff, plays a significant role in the distribution of mangrove organic matter. In particular, a marked spatial variability in the export of organic matter from mangroves to adjacent habitats was due to the different settings of the creeks flowing into the bay. Kinondo Creek acted as a mangrove retention site, where export of mangrove material was limited to the contiguous intertidal area, while Kidogoweni Creek acted as a flow-through system, from which mangrove material spreads into the bay, especially in the rainy season. This pattern was evident from the isotopic signature of primary producers, which were more 13C-depleted in the Kinondo Creek and nearby, due to the lower dilution of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool, typically depleted as an effect of intense mangrove mineralisation. Despite the trapping efficiency of the seagrass canopy, suspended particulate OM showed the important contribution of mangroves across the whole bay, up to the coral reef, as an effect of the strong ebb tide. Overall, mixing model outcomes indicated a widespread mixed contribution of both allochthonous and autochthonous OM sources across Gazi Bay. Moreover, FAs indicated a notable contribution of brown macroalgae and bacteria in both sediment and suspended pools. These results suggest that ecological connectivity in Gazi Bay is strongly influenced by geomorphological setting, which may have far-reaching consequences for the functioning of the whole ecosystem and the local food webs.
- Published
- 2018
22. Lipid and fatty acid biomarkers as proxies for environmental contamination in caged mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis
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Rossella Di Leonardo, Geraldina Signa, Antonio Mazzola, Antonino Vaccaro, Cecilia Doriana Tramati, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa, G, Di Leonardo, R, Vaccaro, A, Tramati, CD, Mazzola, A, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Pollutant ,animal structures ,Ecology ,biology ,fungi ,General Decision Sciences ,Fatty acid ,Mussel ,Contamination ,biology.organism_classification ,Mytilus ,Lipids Fatty acids Mussel Transplant Contaminants Augusta Bay ,Lipid peroxidation ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Environmental chemistry ,Bioaccumulation ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Polyunsaturated fatty acid - Abstract
Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were transplanted from a reference site (Syracuse harbour) to an impacted site (Augusta Bay) from January to July 2013 to assess the biochemical response of caged mus- sels to high trace element and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, using lipid and fatty acid (FA) biomarkers. Sediment and mussels were analysed to assess contaminant bioavailability in the study sites and bioaccumulation in mussel tissue. Trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) and PAHs were significantly higher in mussels from Augusta than in those from Syracuse, mirror- ing the different environmental contamination. The biological impact quotient (BIQs), which indicates the potential biological impact of mussel-accumulated contaminants, reflected the highest contaminant concentrations found in Augusta and their temporal trend, which increased from the start of the exper- iment to 3–4 months after transplanting, followed by a decrease, as indication of mussel detoxification processes. Lower condition index (CI) and phospholipids (PL), as well as higher total (TL) and neutral lipids (NL) in mussels from Augusta, indicated the occurrence of a physiological and biochemical stress response to pollutant exposure and accumulation. Differences in FA composition, especially polyunsat- urated (PUFA), essential (EFA) and non-methylene interrupted dienoic (NMID) FAs between the study sites revealed the occurrence of stress-induced lipid peroxidation, followed by compensatory/adaptive processes in Augusta mussels. The marked increase in bacterial biomarkers, mainly cyclopropyl (CY) FAs, reflecting the greater bioaccumulation of chemicals in the Augusta mussels, may be the result of bacterial infections or symbiosis with bacteria involved in detoxification processes.
- Published
- 2015
23. Element-specific behaviour and sediment properties modulate transfer and bioaccumulation of trace elements in a highly-contaminated area (Augusta Bay, Central Mediterranean Sea)
- Author
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Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Antonio Mazzola, Rossella Di Leonardo, Signa, G., Mazzola, A., Di Leonardo, R., and Vizzini, S.
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Geologic Sediments ,Environmental Engineering ,Bentho ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Redox ,Benthos ,Macroalgae ,Mediterranean Sea ,Environmental Chemistry ,Animals ,TOC ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Invertebrate ,Trophic level ,Metal ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Sediment ,Biota ,General Medicine ,General Chemistry ,Mercury ,Seaweed ,Pollution ,Invertebrates ,Trace Elements ,Diet ,Bays ,Benthic zone ,Bioaccumulation ,Environmental chemistry ,Environmental science ,Environmental Pollution ,Bay ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Cadmium ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
High sediment contamination in the coastal area of Priolo Bay, adjacent to the highly-polluted Augusta Harbour, poses serious risks for the benthic communities inhabiting the area. Nevertheless, the transfer of trace elements and consequent bioaccumulation in the biota is an overlooked issue. This study aimed to assess the transfer and bioaccumulation patterns of As, Cd, Ni and Hg to the dominant macroalgae and benthic invertebrates of Priolo Bay. Results revealed different patterns among trace elements (TEs), not driven by sediment contamination but rather by element-specific behaviour coupled with sediment physicochemical properties. Specifically, As accumulated in macroalgae but not in invertebrates, indicating bioavailability of dissolved As only, and a lack of effective trophic transfer. Ni was confined to surface sediment and transfer to biota was not highlighted. Cd and Hg showed the highest concentrations in invertebrates and bioaccumulated especially in filter feeders and carnivores, revealing the importance of suspended particulate and diet as transfer pathways. Total organic carbon (TOC), fine-grained sediments and redox potential were the most important sediment features in shaping the sediment contamination spatial patterns as well as those of TE transfer and bioaccumulation. In particular, As and Cd transfer to macroalgae, and especially Hg bioaccumulation in benthic invertebrates was controlled by sediment properties, resulting in limited transfer and accumulation in the most contaminated stations.
- Published
- 2017
24. Intrinsic bioremediation potential of a chronically polluted marine coastal area
- Author
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Valentina Catania, Antonio Mazzola, Simone Cappello, Michail M. Yakimov, Santina Santisi, Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Paola Quatrini, Catania, V., Santisi, S., Signa, G., Vizzini, S., Mazzola, A., Cappello, S., Yakimov, M., and Quatrini, P.
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Geologic Sediments ,Hydrocarbon ,Microbial Consortia ,Settore BIO/05 - Zoologia ,Biodiversity ,Aquatic Science ,Settore BIO/19 - Microbiologia Generale ,Oceanography ,DNA, Ribosomal ,Oleibacter ,Sediment bacteria ,Geologic Sediment ,Bioremediation ,Seawater ,DGGE ,Transect ,Sicily ,Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresi ,biology ,Bacteria ,Ecology ,Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ,Medicine (all) ,Water Pollution ,Sediment ,biology.organism_classification ,Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria ,Pollution ,Hydrocarbons ,Biodegradation, Environmental ,PLFA ,Environmental science ,Alcanivorax ,human activities ,Bay ,Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis - Abstract
A microbiological survey of the Priolo Bay (eastern coast of Sicily, Ionian Sea), a chronically polluted marine coastal area, was carried out in order to discern its intrinsic bioremediation potential. Microbiological analysis, 16S rDNA-based DGGE fingerprinting and PLFAs analysis were performed on seawater and sediment samples from six stations on two transects. Higher diversity and variability among stations was detected by DGGE in sediment than in water samples although seawater revealed higher diversity of culturable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The most polluted sediment hosted higher total bacterial diversity and higher abundance and diversity of culturable HC degraders. Alkane- and PAH-degrading bacteria were isolated from all stations and assigned to Alcanivorax, Marinobacter, Thalassospira, Alteromonas and Oleibacter (first isolation from the Mediterranean area). High total microbial diversity associated to a large selection of HC degraders is believed to contribute to natural attenuation of the area, provided that new contaminant contributions are avoided.
- Published
- 2015
25. Bottom-Up Control of Macrobenthic Communities in a Guanotrophic Coastal System
- Author
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Salvatrice Vizzini, Geraldina Signa, Valentina Costa, Antonio Mazzola, Signa, G., Mazzola, A., Costa, V., and Vizzini, S.
- Subjects
Geologic Sediments ,seabird ,Fauna ,seabirds ,benthos ,guano ,lagoon ,mediterranean ,eutrophication ,lcsh:Medicine ,bentho ,Spatio-Temporal Analysis ,Benthos ,parasitic diseases ,Animals ,Cluster Analysis ,Ecosystem ,lcsh:Science ,Trophic level ,Analysis of Variance ,Multidisciplinary ,Geography ,Ecology ,lcsh:R ,fungi ,Detritivore ,Biodiversity ,Italy ,Benthic zone ,Guano ,lcsh:Q ,Eutrophication ,Research Article - Abstract
Soft bottom macrobenthic communities were studied seasonally in three coastal ponds (Marinello ponds, Italy) at increasing distances from a gull (Larus michahellis) colony to in- vestigate the effect of seabird-induced eutrophication (i.e. guanotrophication) on macro- benthic fauna.We hypothesized that enhanced nutrient concentration and organic load caused by guano input significantly alter the trophic and sedimentological condition of ponds, affecting benthic fauna through a bottom-up control. The influence of a set of envi- ronmental features on macrobenthic assemblages was also tested. Overall, the lowest macrobenthic abundances and functional group diversity were found in deeper sites, espe- cially in the pond characterised by severe guanotrophication, where the higher disturbance resulted in a decline in suspension feeders and carnivores in favour of deposit feeders. An increase in opportunistic/tolerant taxa (e.g. chironomid larvae and paraonids) and totally azoic sediments were also found as an effect of the harshest environmental conditions, re- sulting in a very poor ecological status. We conclude that macrobenthic assemblages of the Marinello coastal system display high spatial variability due to a synergistic effect of trophic status and the geomorphological features of the ponds. Themacrobenthic response to gua- notrophication, which was a clear decrease in abundance, diversity and trophic functional groups, was associated with the typical response to severe eutrophication, magnified by the geomorphological features.
- Published
- 2015
26. Study of the origin and fate of organic matter in a tropical bay using elemental, isotopic and fatty acid biomarkers
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
connectivity, organic matter, mangrove, coastal system, isotopes, fatty acids - Abstract
Organic matter (OM) exchanges between adjacent coastal ecosystems affect the role of the different primary producers as energy and nutrient sources in food webs. Elemental and isotope parameters (C/N ratios, δ13C) and fatty acid (FA) biomarkers were used to assess the origin and distribution of OM in both surface sediment and water along a strongly tidally-influenced tropical area, Gazi Bay (Kenya), in two climatic seasons (dry and rainy). Dominant primary producers (i.e. mangroves, macroalgae and seagrasses) were also characterized through the same combined approach. Export of the mangrove-derived OM, highly depleted, to the adjacent bay was evident from a gradual 13C-enrichment of primary producers and sediment along the land-sea transect, with more depleted values close to the mangroves and more enriched ones in the coral reef. Contextually, a step-by-step decrease of both C/N ratio and mangrove FA biomarker concentration was also evident in the surface sediment. This export was higher in the rainy season but reduced from the wide seagrass bed area. This result is consistent with the buffer action of seagrasses, which efficiently act in trapping the suspended OM. Isotopic and FA signatures of the particulate OM gave indication of a mixed contribute of both allochthonous and autochthonous OM sources, but, unlike sediment, were overall homogeneous within the bay because of the mixing effect of tides. FA biomarkers revealed that brown algae, seagrasses and diatoms were also important OM sources in the whole bay. These results suggest an high ecological connectivity in Gazi Bay, which may have important consequences on the functioning of the whole ecosystem and on the local food webs.
- Published
- 2014
27. Trace element and PAH bioaccumulation in caged mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from an industrial area (Augusta Bay, SE Sicily)
- Author
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TRAMATI, Cecilia Doriana, DI LEONARDO, Rossella, SIGNA, Geraldina, VACCARO, Antonino, SAVONA, Andrea, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Tramati, CD, Di Leonardo, R, Signa, G, Vaccaro, A, Savona, A, Vizzini, S, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Trace element, PAH, bioaccumulation, mussels, Augusta Bay - Published
- 2014
28. Contamination by trace metals and their trophic transfer to the biota in a Mediterranean coastal system affected by gull guano
- Author
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Cecilia Doriana Tramati, Geraldina Signa, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa, G, Tramati, CD, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,Ecology ,biology ,Contaminants ,Biomagnification ,Seabird ,Yellow-legged gull ,Allochthonous input ,Stable isotope ,Mediterranean lagoon ,Biota ,Contaminant ,Aquatic Science ,Contamination ,Larus michahellis ,biology.organism_classification ,biology.animal ,Guano ,Environmental science ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Trophic level - Abstract
Transitional environments are vulnerable interface systems, ecologically connected with adjacent systems by several biotic or abiotic flows. The coastal system of the Marinello ponds (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is affected by a colony of yellow-legged gulls Larus michahellis (Naumann, 1840), resident on the cliff beside the ponds. To investigate the role of the gull colony as a potential source of allochthonous non-essential trace metals (As, Cd, Pb and total mercury, THg) and the consequent metal trophic transfer to the biota in the ponds, we collected guano, surface sediment and biota from 3 ponds with different levels of avian input. The highest concentrations were observed in guano and surface sediment of the seabird-influenced pond, suggesting that trace metals have undergone biotransport mediated by seabirds. To test for biomagnification, the trophic pathways of the ponds were first identified by δ13C and δ15 N, revealing the existence of important differences in accordance with the importance of guano input. Trophic transfer along the food chains was metal-specific. Only THg was found to biomagnify based on significant positive linear regression of logTHg versus δ15 N in organisms. In contrast, As, Cd and Pd significantly biodiluted through the food chains. Regression line slopes were homogeneous among ponds, sug- gesting that metal transfer along food chains occurs independently of the background contamination levels. Our findings provide new insights about the role of seabirds in contaminant dynamics in transitional environments in light of the high abundance of seabirds and the current lack of knowledge about seabird-mediated ecological processes in the Mediterranean area.
- Published
- 2013
29. Bottom-up control on macrobenthic communities in a guanotrophic coastal system
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, COSTA, Valentina, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, Costa, V, and Mazzola,A
- Subjects
eutrophication ,coastal lagoon ,Seabird ,bentho - Abstract
Soft bottom macrobenthic assemblage and sediment characteristics were studied from autumn 2008 to summer 2009 in three coastal ponds (Marinello ponds, Sicily, Italy) at increasing distances from a gull (Larus michahellis Naumann, 1840) colony to investigate the effect of seabird-induced eutrophication (i.e. guanotrophication) on macrobenthic communities. We hypothesized that enhanced nutrient concentration and organic load caused by guano input significantly alter the sedimentary condition of ponds, affecting benthic fauna through a bottom-up control. Polychaetes were the dominant taxon in the system, followed by amphipods, gastropods and bivalves. Macrobenthic patterns showed high variability between ponds and were significantly influenced by confinement, sediment texture and trophic condition (i.e. phaeopigments, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen concentration, organic load). Overall, the lowest benthic abundances and functional group diversity were found in deep sites, especially in the pond characterised by severe guanotrophication, where the higher disturbance resulted in a decline of suspension feeders and carnivores in favour of deposit feeders. Increase of opportunistic/tolerant species (e.g. chironomid larvae and paranoids) and totally azoic sediments were also found as effect of the harshest environmental conditions, resulting in a very poor ecological status. We conclude that macrobenthic assemblages of the brackish coastal ponds of Marinello displayed a clear impoverishment of abundance and trophic functional groups as a consequence of the bottom-up control caused by a chronic guanotrophication condition. This harsh effect decreased at low depth and at increasing distance from the gull colony.
- Published
- 2013
30. Gull-derived trace elements trigger small-scale contamination in a remote Mediterranean nature reserve
- Author
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Geraldina Signa, Cecilia Doriana Tramati, Antonio Mazzola, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa, G, Mazzola, A, Tramati, CD, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Conservation of Natural Resources ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Charadriiformes ,Feces ,biology.animal ,Animals ,Trace metals, Seabird, Guano, Stable isotope, Lagoon, Bioenrichment ,Nature reserve ,biology ,Ecology ,Trace element ,Contamination ,Larus michahellis ,biology.organism_classification ,Pollution ,Nature ,Trace Elements ,Environmental chemistry ,Guano ,Environmental science ,Spatial variability ,Seabird ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
The role of a yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) small colony in conveying trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, THg, V, Zn) was assessed in a Mediterranean nature reserve (Marinello ponds) at various spatial and temporal scales. Trace element concentrations in guano were high and seasonally variable. In contrast, contamination in the ponds was not influenced by season but showed strong spatial variability among ponds, according to the different guano input. Biogenic enrichment factor B confirmed the role of gulls in the release of trace elements through guano subsidies. In addition, comparing trace element pond concentrations to the US NOAA’s SQGs, As, Cu and Ni showed contamination levels associated with possible negative biological effects. Thus, this study reflects the need to take seabirds into account as key factors influencing ecological processes and contamination levels even in remote areas, especially around the Mediterranean, where these birds are abundant but overlooked.
- Published
- 2013
31. Effects of a small seagull colony on trophic status and primary production in a Mediterranean coastal system (Marinello ponds, Italy)
- Author
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Geraldina Signa, Antonio Mazzola, Salvatrice Vizzini, Signa, G, Mazzola, A, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Nutrient cycle ,biology ,Ecology ,fungi ,δ15N ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Larus michahellis ,biology.organism_classification ,Deposition (geology) ,Fishery ,transitional environments, yellow-legged gull, seabird, trophic status, primary production, stable isotopes ,biology.animal ,parasitic diseases ,Guano ,Environmental science ,Seabird ,Trophic level - Abstract
Colonies of seabirds have been shown to influence nutrient cycling and primary production of coastal areas, but knowledge is still limited above all for smaller colonies. This study evaluates the influence of a small resident seagull colony (Larus michahellis Naumann, 1840) on a Mediterranean coastal system (Marinello ponds, Sicily, Italy). The presence of ornithogenic organic matter from seagull guano was first assessed at increasing distances from the colony using δ15N to indicate the effects of guano on the trophic status and primary production. The pond directly affected by guano deposition showed an anomalous water and sediment chemistry, especially regarding physico-chemical variables (pH), nitrogen isotopic signature, nutrient balance and phytoplankton biomass. These effects were not observed in the adjacent ponds, highlighting pronounced, small spatial-scale variability. Given the worldwide presence of seabird colonies and the scarcity of research on their effect on coastal marine areas, the study shows that seabird-mediated input may be important in influencing ecosystem dynamics of coastal areas, even where both the system in question and the colony are small.
- Published
- 2012
32. Macrobenthic communities impoverishment in response to seabird input in a Mediterranean transitional area
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, SAVONA, Andrea, MAZZOLA, Antonio, COSTA, Valentina, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, Costa, V, Savona, A, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
seabird ,gull ,macrozoobentho ,diversity ,lagoon - Published
- 2012
33. Contaminazione da metalli in tracce in un sistema costiero Mediterraneo (laghetti di Marinello, Sicilia, Italia) e loro trasferimento lungo la rete trofica
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, TRAMATI, Cecilia Doriana, MAZZOLA, Antonio, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, Aleo, E, Signa, G, Tramati, C, Aleo, E, Mazzola, A, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
contaminazione, biomagnificazione, laghetti costieri, guano - Published
- 2011
34. Effetti di input ornitogenici sullo stato trofico di un sistema costiero Mediterraneo (laghetti di Marinello, Sicilia, Italia)
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, TRAMATI, Cecilia Doriana, SAVONA, Andrea, MAZZOLA, Antonio, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, Signa, G, Tramati, C, Savona, A, Mazzola, A, and Vizzini, S
- Subjects
input, guano, clorofilla, eutrofizzazione, laghi costieri - Published
- 2011
35. Inter-habitat connectivity in a tropical ecosystem (Gazi Bay, Kenya) as revealed by ichthyofauna
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Disclafani, R, Aleo, AE, Bosire, J, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, Disclafani, R, Aleo, AE, Bosire, J, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,fish, mangrove, coral reef, seagrass, stable isotopes, organic matter export - Published
- 2010
36. Influence of seabird guano on the contamination level of a Sicilian coastal area (Marinello ponds)
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, TRAMATI, Cecilia Doriana, SAVONA, Andrea, TUMBARELLO, Valeria Antonia, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, Tramati, C, Savona, A, Tumbarello, VA, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,trace metal, seagull, trophic transfer, allochthnous input, coastal pond - Published
- 2010
37. Influence of seabird guano on the trophic status and contamination levels of a Sicilian transitional area
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, TRAMATI, Cecilia Doriana, SAVONA, Andrea, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Drago,A, Signa, G, Vizzini,S, Tramati,CD, Drago,A, Savona,A, and Mazzola, A.
- Subjects
seabird ,trace metal, trophic status, lagoon ,guano - Published
- 2009
38. Spatial variations in habitat use and food habits of juvenile and adult fishes in a mangal ecosystem (Gazi Bay, Kenya)
- Author
-
SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, CANGIALOSI, Maria Vittoria, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Bosire, J, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, Cangialosi, MV, Bosire, J, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,food webs, mangroves, coral reefs, stable isotopes - Published
- 2009
39. Trophic ecology of the swimming crab Polybius henslowii Leach, 1820 in Galician and Cantabrian Seas: Influences of natural variability and the Prestige oil spill
- Author
-
Alberto Serrano, Francisco Arreguín Sánchez, Montserrat Solé, Geraldina Signa, Joan Enric Cartes, Signa, G, Cartes, JE, Solé, M, Serrano, A, and Sanchez,F
- Subjects
Centro Oceanográfico de Santander ,Stomach content ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Predation ,Prestige ,Medio Marino ,Trophic level ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,Upwelling ,biology ,Continental shelf ,Ecology ,Geology ,Pelagic zone ,Biomarker ,biology.organism_classification ,Galicia ,Portunid crab ,Productivity (ecology) ,Spain ,Benthic zone ,NAO ,Glycera ,Biomarkers - Abstract
9 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables.-- Printed version published Nov 15, 2008., Diet and feeding intensity of the portunid crab Polybius henslowii were studied during the spring of 2004 along Galician and Cantabrian continental shelves (NW Iberian Peninsula) between 78 and 287 m. The area had been affected by the Prestige oil spill in November 2002, with different sectors at different levels of pollution: highest in between Miño River and Cape Finisterre (MF) and from there to Estaca de Bares Point (FE) and lowest from Estaca to Cape Peñas (EP). From 37272 specimens collected in 59 bottom hauls, 342 were analysed for stomach fullness and diet composition. Stomach fullness was lower in FE, but with no significant differences among sectors. Diet was a mixture of pelagic and benthic prey: cephalopods (Ilex coindetti), brachyurans (P. henslowii) and polychaetes (Glycera sp.). Other prey were beloniform eggs and fish remains. Two stress markers were also studied in some specimens: Acetylcholinesterase (a neurotoxicity marker) varied among sampled areas, while lipid peroxidation (an oxidative stress marker) did not. Changes in trophic variables, distribution and density were analysed in relation to depth, surface and bottom T, surface Chl a from satellite imagery and tar aggregate concentration in sediments. Along Galician and Cantabrian coasts prey availability, linked to productivity level, seems to be the main factor affecting P. henslowii diet and distribution. Interannual abundance variability seems to be controlled by large-scale climatic conditions (NAO index). This natural variability masks possible effects induced by the oil spill., This study was partially supported by the Urgent and Strategic Actions of the Spanish Science and Technology Ministry, and included in the ECOPREST(VEM2003-20081-CO2) and DEEP1 (VEM2003-20068-CO5-01) projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. We would like to thank all the colleagues involved in ECOPREST and cruises.
- Published
- 2008
40. Studio della connettività tra Ecosistemi Adiacenti in Ambiente Mediterraneo e Tropicale
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Signa, G, Vizzini, S, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
Mangrovie, connettività, isotopi stabili, acidi grassi - Published
- 2008
41. Le aree di transizione siciliane: stato dell’arte e sviluppi futuri
- Author
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MAZZOLA, Antonio, Azzaro, F, Azzaro, M, Bergamasco, A, CALVO, Sebastiano, Caruso, G, CHEMELLO, Renato, Decembrini, F, Giaccone, G, Giacobbe, S, GIANGUZZA, Paola, Guglielmo, L, Leonardi, M, Monticelli, LS, Pernice, G, RIGGIO, Silvano, SARA', Gianluca, SIGNA, Geraldina, TOMASELLO, Agostino, VIZZINI, Salvatrice, Zagami, G., Mazzola, A, Azzaro, F, Azzaro, M, Bergamasco, A, Calvo, S, Caruso, G, Chemello, R, Decembrini, F, Giaccone, G, Giacobbe, S, Gianguzza, P, Guglielmo, L, Leonardi, M, Monticelli, LS, Pernice, G, Riggio, S, Sarà, G, Signa, G, Tomasello, A, Vizzini, S, and Zagami, G
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,Aree di transizione, Sicilia, caratteristiche ecologiche, stato di conservazione, emergenze ambientali, pressioni antropiche - Published
- 2008
42. Trophic structure of zooplankton / suprabenthos communities from the Galician and Cantabrian Coasts (NW Spain) by stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios analysis
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina, Cartes, JE, Fanelli, E., Signa,G, Cartes, JE, and Fanelli, E.
- Subjects
suprabentho ,zooplankton ,stable isotope ,trophic web - Published
- 2007
43. Sediment characteristics and macrofauna distribution along a human-modified inlet in the Gulf of Oristano (Sardinia, Italy)
- Author
-
Paolo Magni, Serena Como, Daniela Casu, Ga A. Fenzi, Geraldina Signa, Gianmarco Giordani, S. Natale, G. De Falco, Antonello Floris, COMO, S, MAGNI, P, CASU, D, FLORIS, A, GIORDANI, G, NATALE, S, FENZI, GA, SIGNA, G, and DE FALCO, G
- Subjects
Geologic Sediments ,Cymodocea nodosa ,coastal lagoons ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Total organic carbon (TOC) ,Water Movements ,Seawater ,Organic matter ,Particle Size ,artificial structures ,Ecosystem ,Hydrology ,Total organic carbon ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) ,benthic species richness ,Sediment ,Inlet ,biology.organism_classification ,Coastal lagoon ,Pollution ,Seagrass ,Benthic species richne ,Italy ,chemistry ,Benthic zone ,Posidonia oceanica ,Environmental science ,Artificial structure ,Seasons ,Macrofauna - Abstract
We studied the spatial variability and within-year temporal changes in hydrological features, grain size composition and chemical characteristics of sediments, as well as macrofaunal assemblages, along a heavily modified inlet in the Gulf of Oristano (western Sardinia, Italy). The inlet connects the Cabras lagoon to the gulf through a series of convoluted creeks and man-made structures, including a dam and fish barriers built in the last three decades. Sediments were muddy and mainly composed of the "non-sortable" fraction (i.e., < 8 mu m particle size) in all four areas investigated: Lagoon, Creeks, Channel and Seaward. Along the inlet, however, the ratio between the < 8 mu mn and the 8-64 mu m fractions was highest in Creeks and Channel, between the fish barriers and the dam, suggesting impaired hydrodynamics. Consistently, steep gradients in water salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations were found in proximity to the fish barriers. The whole inlet was characterized by a major organic enrichment of sediments, with up to an annual mean of 33.6% of organic matter and 11.7% of total organic carbon in Seaward due to the presence of seagrass leaf litter. Acid-volatile sulphide and chromium-reduced sulphur concentrations were highest throughout the year in Seaward and Lagoon, respectively, with a peak in summer. Consistently, the whole inlet supported low structured macrofaunal assemblages dominated by few opportunist species, with a relatively lower diversity in Lagoon throughout the year and the highest abundances in Seaward in summer. We infer that the presence of artificial structures along the inlet, such as fish barriers and the dam, impair the lagoon-gulf hydrodynamics, sediment exchange and animal recruitment and colonization. We suggest that the removal of these structures would favour water renewal in the Cabras lagoon, but would also increase the outflow of organic C-bonding fine particles into the gulf with serious consequences for Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows. We conclude that all possible consequences of such initiatives should be carefully considered before any action is taken. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published
- 2007
44. First assessment of total organic carbon/macrofauna relation in Sicilian coastal lagoons
- Author
-
SIGNA, Geraldina, Giacobbe, S, Bergamasco, A., Signa, G, Giacobbe, S, and Bergamasco, A.
- Subjects
Sicily ,TOC, lagoon ,macrozoobentho - Abstract
Sediment characteristics (Total organic carbon, C/N ratio, carbonates, grain size) and macrofaunal assemblages were studied in Sum- mer 2005 in 9 coastal lagoons of eastern Sicily (Italy) belonging to 3 study areas (Capo Peloro, Marinello and Vendicari). The diffe- rent ecosystems were selected upon their differences in geographical position, size, depth, water exchange, anthropic impact and expec- ted organic matter loading. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the Total organic carbon (TOC) content of se- diment and macrofaunal assemblages characteristics, as indicated by the Study Group on Benthic Indicators of IOC/UNESCO (http: //ioc.unesco.org/benthicindicators/). A total of 30813 specimens belonging to 51 families were collected and identified. Abun- dance (N), Family richness (F), Shannon (H') and Evenness (J') indexes were compared with sediment characteristics. Bioenv analysis and Pearson correlations have shown that grain size represents an important variable influencing the macrofaunal settlement. TOC ranged between 2 and 75 mg g -1. Coherently with previous studies on this topic, our results suggest that risk of reduced abundance and biodiversity due to organic loading in sediments of Sicilian coastal lagoons is low at TOC concentrations less than about 10 mg g -1, high at TOC concentrations greater than about 30 mg g-1 and intermediate at concentrations in between.
- Published
- 2007
45. Il macrozoobenthos: uno dei possibili descrittori di stato ecologico nel monitoraggio delle aree di transizione siciliane
- Author
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SIGNA, Geraldina and Signa, G
- Subjects
Macrozoobenthos, stato ecologico, lagune - Published
- 2005
46. Spatial variability in stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Mauguio, France)
- Author
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VIZZINI, Salvatrice, SIGNA, Geraldina, SAVONA, Benedetto, MAZZOLA, Antonio, Do Chi, T, Vizzini, S, Signa, G, Savona, B, Do Chi, T, and Mazzola, A
- Subjects
stable isotopes, coastal lagoon, France, fish - Published
- 2003
47. Does transplanted Posidonia oceanica act as a sink or source of trace elements? Ecological implications for restoring polluted coastal areas.
- Author
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Signa G, Tomasello A, Cilluffo G, Tramati CD, Mazzola A, Calvo S, and Vizzini S
- Subjects
- Mediterranean Sea, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Italy, Arsenic analysis, Trace Elements analysis, Alismatales, Ecosystem
- Abstract
Despite the high potential of seagrass restoration to reverse the trend of marine ecosystem degradation, there are still many limitations, especially when ecosystems are severely degraded. In particular, it is not known whether restoring polluted ecosystems can lead to potentially harmful effects associated with contaminant remobilisation. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of P. oceanica transplanted from a pristine meadow to a polluted site (Augusta Bay, Italy, Mediterranean Sea) in two seasons of the year, as a sink or source of trace elements to the environment. The main results showed i) higher accumulation of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and total mercury (THg) in plants transplanted in summer than in winter, as well as an increase in Cr and THg in plants from sites with higher trace element loads; ii) an increase in leaf phenolics and a decrease in rhizome soluble carbohydrates associated with As and THg accumulation, suggesting the occurrence of defence strategies to cope with pollution stress; iii) a different partitioning of trace elements between below- and above-ground tissues, with arsenic (As) and Cr accumulating in roots, whereas Cu and THg in both roots and leaves. These results suggest that P. oceanica transplanted to polluted sites can act as both a sink and a source, sequestering trace elements in the below-ground tissues thus reducing their bioavailability, but also potentially remobilising them. However, the amount of trace elements potentially exported from P. oceanica to the environment through transfer into food webs via leaves and detritus appeared to be low under the specific conditions of the study site. Although further research into seagrass restoration of polluted sites would improve current knowledge to support effective ecosystem-based coastal management, the benefits of restoring polluted sites through seagrass transplantation appear to outweigh the potential costs of inaction over time., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Neck Pain in Fibromyalgia: Treatment with Exercise and Mesotherapy.
- Author
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Scaturro D, Vitagliani F, Signa G, Tomasello S, Tumminelli LG, Picelli A, Smania N, and Letizia Mauro G
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia is a very common musculoskeletal disease. The purpose of this study is to assess, on a population of fibromyalgic patients, the clinical efficacy of antalgic mesotherapy with diclofenac and thiocolchicoside in the treatment of cervical pain reduction for improvement of the functional capacity and quality of life of these patients., Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational study of 78 fibromyalgia patients recruited using our hospital database. Based on the different types of treatment received, the patients were divided into two groups: the treatment group (TG), who received antalgic mesotherapy with diclofenac, thiococolchicoside, and mepivacaina; and the placebo group (PG), who received mesotherapy with sodium chloride solution. Patients in both groups also received the same rehabilitation protocol of 20 sessions. The primary outcome evaluated was the extent of pain. The secondary outcomes were the functional capacity and quality of life., Results: Pain improved both in the treatment group (7.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.1; p < 0.05) and placebo group (7.5 ± 1.4 vs. 6.1 ± 1.6; p < 0.05). The treatment group, compared to the placebo group, also showed significant statistical improvements in functional capacity (NDI: 35.6 ± 5.23 vs. 19.3 ± 3.41; p < 0.05) and quality of life (SF-12: 18.3 ± 4.11 vs. 33.1 ± 2.41; p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Mesotherapy treatment with diclofenac and thiocolchicoside is a safe and effective procedure in the management of neck pain in fibromyalgia patients in the short term in terms of pain reduction, functional recovery and quality of life.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Limited Stress Response to Transplantation in the Mediterranean Macroalga Ericaria amentacea , a Key Species for Marine Forest Restoration.
- Author
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Chemello S, Signa G, Mazzola A, Ribeiro Pereira T, Sousa Pinto I, and Vizzini S
- Subjects
- Ecosystem, Fatty Acids, Lipids, Mediterranean Sea, Phaeophyceae, Seaweed
- Abstract
In the Mediterranean Sea, brown macroalgae represent the dominant species in intertidal and subtidal habitats. Despite conservation efforts, these canopy-forming species showed a dramatic decline, highlighting the urge for active intervention to regenerate self-sustaining populations. For this reason, the restoration of macroalgae forests through transplantation has been recognized as a promising approach. However, the potential stress caused by the handling of thalli has never been assessed. Here, we used a manipulative approach to assess the transplant-induced stress in the Mediterranean Ericaria amentacea , through the analysis of biochemical proxies, i.e., phenolic compounds, lipids, and fatty acids in both transplanted and natural macroalgae over time. The results showed that seasonal environmental variability had an important effect on the biochemical composition of macroalgae, suggesting the occurrence of acclimation responses to summer increased temperature and light irradiance. Transplant-induced stress appears to have only amplified the biochemical response, probably due to increased sensitivity of the macroalgae already subjected to mechanical and osmotic stress (e.g., handling, wounding, desiccation). The ability of E. amentacea to cope with both environmental and transplant-induced stress highlights the high plasticity of the species studied, as well as the suitability of transplantation of adult thalli to restore E. amentacea beds.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Stable isotope and fatty acid analysis reveal the ability of sea cucumbers to use fish farm waste in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture.
- Author
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Cutajar K, Falconer L, Massa-Gallucci A, Cox RE, Schenke L, Bardócz T, Andolina C, Signa G, Vizzini S, Sprague M, and Telfer TC
- Subjects
- Animals, Aquaculture, Fatty Acids, Fishes, Isotopes, Fisheries, Sea Cucumbers
- Abstract
Stable isotope ratios, carbon (δ
13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N), and fatty acids validated the trophic connection between farmed fish in a commercial nearshore fish farm and sea cucumbers in the Mediterranean Sea. This dual tracer approach evaluated organic matter transfer in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and the ability of sea cucumbers to incorporate fish farm waste (fish faeces and uneaten artificial fish feed) into their tissue. Between October 2018 and September 2019, Holothuria (Roweothuria) poli Delle Chiaje, 1824, co-cultured at IMTA sites directly below one of the commercial fish cage , at 10 m and 25 m from the selected fish cage, and at two reference sites over 800 m from the fish farm. Sea cucumbers were sampled from each site in February, May and September, except at 0 m due to mass mortalities recorded here in the first month of study. Isotopic mixing models revealed that fish farm organic waste was the dominant dietary source for H. poli in IMTA at 10 m and 25 m from the cage. The contribution of marine plant-derived organic matter, Posidonia oceanica leaves and rhizomes, was least important. The isotopic signatures of sea cucumber tissues at reference sites were not explained by the sampled food resources. Importantly, fatty acid profiling revealed a high abundance of individual terrestrial plant fatty acids, such as oleic (18:1n-9), linoleic (18:2n-6) and eicosenoic (20:1n-9) acids in sea cucumber tissue at 10 m and 25 m from the fish cage, presumably linked to the terrestrial plant oil content of the fish feeds. At the reference sites, sea cucumber tissues were characterised by higher relative abundance of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) acid, and the natural marine-based eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) acids. These analyses revealed important differences in the composition of H. poli between the IMTA and reference locations, driven by aquaculture-derived waste near fish cages. Moreover, this study revealed temporal variation in food availability and quality, and possible differences in the physiological responses of H. poli. Stable isotope analysis and fatty acid profiling provided complementary evidence for the important dietary preferences of H. poli and validated the potential of sea cucumbers to uptake aquaculture organic waste as part of inshore fish-sea cucumber IMTA. It reveals the important implications that an established trophic link has on the viability of using sea cucumbers for the development of IMTA and the sustainable expansion of aquaculture., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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