Comparative study based on sediment characteristics and macrobenthic communities in two Italian lagoons

Area of Science:

• Marine Ecology
• Coastal Lagoon Studies
• Benthic Ecology

Background:

• Italian coastal lagoons, Lesina and Varano, are ecologically significant but understudied.
• Understanding sediment characteristics and macrobenthic assemblages is crucial for lagoon management.
• Comparative studies are needed to assess inter-lagoon differences and environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare sediment characteristics and macrobenthic assemblages in Lesina and Varano lagoons.
• To assess the distinct behaviors of the two lagoon basins.
• To investigate the relationship between sediment matrix and benthic organisms within and between the lagoons.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of sediment grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP).
• Macrobenthic community structure analysis, including abundance and species diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, Margalef).
• Ordination techniques to identify environmental influences on sediment and benthic patterns.

Main Results:

• Both lagoons exhibited fine-grained sediments (clay and silt).
• Lesina lagoon showed higher average TOC and TN, but lower TP compared to Varano lagoon.
• Lowest macrobenthic abundance and species diversity were observed in specific zones of each lagoon, linked to environmental inputs.

Conclusions:

• Sediment composition and nutrient levels differ between Lesina and Varano lagoons.
• Macrobenthic community structure is influenced by lagoon-specific environmental factors, including marine and freshwater inputs.
• The study highlights the unique ecological dynamics of each lagoon basin and their relationship with sediment properties.