Article
Environmental Sciences
Michele Leduc, Arnaud Abadie, Christophe Viala, Alban Bouchard, Laura Iborra, Quentin Fontaine, Gilles Lepoint, Michel Marengo, Gerard Pergent, Sylvie Gobert, Pierre Lejeune, Briac Monnier
Summary: Posidonia oceanica in Mediterranean develops a complex belowground structure capable of storing large amounts of carbon over thousands of years. Mapping techniques and sediment sampling were used to assess the size and variability of carbon stocks. This study quantifies the organic and inorganic carbon stocks in the P. oceanica matte of Calvi Bay using sub-bottom profiler imagery and sediment core analysis. The data revealed the heterogeneity of blue carbon stocks in seagrass meadows and discussed the variability of carbon storage capacity influenced by substrate.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xavier Turon, Jesus Zarcero, Adria Antich, Owen Simon Wangensteen, Enric Ballesteros, Emma Cebrian, Candela Marco-Mendez, Teresa Alcoverro
Summary: Reliable biodiversity assessments are crucial for monitoring species decline, and DNA metabarcoding techniques can provide fast and comprehensive evaluation of diversity. However, standardized adaptations for each ecosystem are necessary for effective implementation. In this study, a protocol for metabarcoding seagrass meadows was developed and tested, revealing high diversity and clear differentiation between samples. This tool has the potential to deliver important data for the protection and management of seagrass habitats.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Arianna Pansini, Mar Bosch-Belmar, Manuel Berlino, Gianluca Sara, Giulia Ceccherelli
Summary: Seagrass meadows play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems, but their integrity is endangered by human disturbances. Active restoration is considered a reliable strategy for enhancing seagrass ecosystem recovery. However, valuable information on the effectiveness of past restoration actions and experimental efforts is crucial for making correct management decisions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Susana Llorens-Escrich, Elena Tamarit, Sebastian Hernandis, Noela Sanchez-Carnero, Miguel Rodilla, Isabel Perez-Arjona, Marek Moszynski, Vicente Puig-Pons, Jose Tena-Medialdea, Victor Espinosa
Summary: Using a low-cost acoustic method to estimate shoot density and cover of Posidonia oceanica meadows can indirectly indicate their health status. The vertical configuration of the sonar and the advantages of improved beam path and detection invariance against boat rolling make this method practical and effective.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alice Rotini, Chiara Conte, Gidon Winters, Marlen I. I. Vasquez, Luciana Migliore
Summary: Seagrasses host diverse bacterial communities that can establish symbiotic relationships with the seagrass plants. This study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to explore the microbiome associated with Posidonia oceanica leaves in two different geomorphological meadows. The results showed similar bacterial community structure and composition in both sites, indicating that P. oceanica maintains characteristic-associated bacterial communities even under different environmental conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jonathan Richir, Willy Champenois, Jimmy de Fouw, Alberto V. Borges
Summary: The study aimed to determine the natural variability of DMSP and DMSO contents in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, showing a close link between the two molecules and their potential involvement in the physiological response of the seagrass to heat stress. Additionally, selecting middle-aged leaf tissues with organosulfur molecule content similar to the average value calculated for the seagrass leaf bundle appeared to be the best choice for studying DMSP and DMSO in that species. More research is needed to understand the biosynthetic pathways, evolutionary reasons, and physiological functions of these molecules in seagrasses.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Piazzi, Stefano Acunto, Francesca Frau, Fabrizio Atzori, Maria Francesca Cinti, Laura Leone, Giulia Ceccherelli
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of environmental engineering techniques for restoring Posidonia oceanica meadows, showing that both degradable and non-degradable mats provided encouraging results in terms of plot loss and cutting survival. The techniques proved to be cost-effective and conducive to the colonization of other organisms, contributing to the establishment of a natural habitat.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yvonne Y. Y. Yau, Gloria Reithmaier, Claudia Majtenyi-Hill, Oscar Serrano, Nerea Pineiro-Juncal, Martin Dahl, Miguel Angel Mateo, Stefano Bonaglia, Isaac R. Santos
Summary: Seagrass meadows are important carbon sinks, but their carbon sink capacity may be countered by methane emissions. This study measured carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in a seagrass-dominated coastal embayment in the Mediterranean Sea. The results showed that areas with dense seagrass meadows had lower methane emissions, likely due to photosynthesis limiting methane fluxes. Sediments were identified as the major source of methane, and dilution and methane oxidation in the water column reduced net methane fluxes into the atmosphere. Overall, seagrass meadows offset only a small fraction of carbon burial in sediments through methane emissions on both local and global scales.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Panagiota Photiou, Loukas Koutsokeras, Georgios Constantinides, Michalis Koutinas, Ioannis Vyrides
Summary: The study demonstrates that thermally treated seagrass residues can effectively adsorb phosphate from real wastewater, serving as a low-cost adsorbent material with high selectivity. Seagrass residues showed high adsorption capacity and selectivity towards phosphate, with lower adsorption towards NH4+ and organic compounds.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Aldi Kuqo, Aaron Kilian Mayer, Stephen O. Amiandamhen, Stergios Adamopoulos, Carsten Mai
Summary: Two types of geopolymer-bonded boards, geopolymer particleboards (GP) and geopolymer sandwich boards (GSB), were produced using wetting and dry mixing techniques. Seagrass fibers added to GSB improved bending strength and toughness by 20% and 40% respectively. The addition of lignocellulosic aggregates increased bending strength up to 8.9 N mm-2. GSB exhibited slightly higher fire resistance compared to GP. FT-IR, XRD analysis, and visual examination confirmed effective mixing of the precursor and alkaline activator.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
G. Mancini, D. Ventura, E. Casoli, A. Belluscio, G. D. Ardizzone
Summary: The research on the restoration of seagrass ecosystems damaged by the Concordia shipwreck demonstrates that the recovery of P. oceanica can be accelerated through restoration protocols. The study highlights the importance of adopting case-specific restoration strategies during the recovery process.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Briac Monnier, Gerard Pergent, Miguel Angel Mateo, Philippe Clabaut, Christine Pergent-Martini
Summary: This article presents a study on estimating carbon stocks in Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean region. The research utilizes biogeochemical analysis to reveal the high variability of organic and inorganic carbon stocks in different environmental conditions. The study provides valuable insights into the spatial heterogeneity of carbon stocks in seagrass sediments, improving the accuracy of blue carbon assessments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christine Pergent-Martini, Gerard Pergent, Briac Monnier, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Christophe Mori, Audrey Valette-Sansevin
Summary: Coastal marine vegetation, particularly the Mediterranean endemic species Posidonia oceanica, demonstrates high efficiency in carbon fixation and storage, making it a significant carbon sink in the efforts to mitigate climate change.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Carlos Astudillo, Vicente Gracia, Ivan Caceres, Joan Pau Sierra, Agustin Sanchez-Arcilla
Summary: New flume experiments with surrogate seagrass meadows were conducted to evaluate the effect on wave attenuation, sediment transport, and shoreline erosion. The presence of seagrass reduced wave heights, decreased sediment transport, and resulted in smaller shoreline retreat, demonstrating its effectiveness in coastal protection.
COASTAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Aldi Kuqo, Carsten Mai
Summary: The addition of 1 to 6 wt% fibers can decrease the density of gypsum plaster while improving flexural and compression strength. Different fibers have varying effects on mechanical properties and impact resistance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carmen B. de los Santos, Luis G. Egea, Marcio Martins, Rui Santos, Pere Masque, Gloria Peralta, Fernando G. Brun, Rocio Jimenez-Ramos
Summary: The researchers investigated four adjacent vegetated coastal habitats in Cadiz Bay, South Spain, and found that subtidal seagrass Cymodocea nodosa had the highest organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks, followed by upper intertidal salt marsh Sporobolus maritimus, subtidal rhizophytic macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera, and lower intertidal seagrass Zostera noltei. They also observed that sedimentation and organic carbon burial rates increased with elevation. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of using habitat-specific carbon and nitrogen stocks and burial rates to predict the sequestration capacity of vegetated coastal habitats at the seascape level.
Article
Plant Sciences
C. Ribeiro, T. Sauvage, S. Ferreira, R. Haroun, J. Silva, P. Neves
Summary: The green macroalga Caulerpa ashmeadii was recently discovered in the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Porto Santo Island. It forms scattered patches in the subtidal soft-bottom, mainly among the green calcareous macroalgae Halimeda incrassata and Penicillus capitatus, within a depth range of 18-26 m. The estimated distribution area of Caulerpa ashmeadii is approximately 0.22 km2.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Miguel Sandoval-Gil, Juan M. Ruiz, Lazaro Marin-Guirao
Summary: Hypersaline conditions in coastal systems have profound effects on seagrass meadows and their socio-ecological benefits. Recent research has contributed significantly to understanding the physiological basis of seagrass-hypersalinity interactions, although most studies are limited to a few species. Photosynthesis and carbon metabolism are commonly studied variables, but other key metabolic processes are also attracting attention.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jessica Pazzaglia, Emanuela Dattolo, Miriam Ruocco, Alex Santillan-Sarmiento, Lazaro Marin-Guirao, Gabriele Procaccini
Summary: This study analyzed the dynamics of DNA methylation (DNAm) in marine plants in response to environmental changes. The results showed that temperature and nutrient conditions had significant effects on DNAm, highlighting the potential role of environmental factors in regulating species adaptation and phenotypic differences.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Cristina Gambi, Valentina Esposito, Lazaro Marin-Guirao
Summary: Very small-sized shoots of Posidonia oceanica, called bonsai shoots, were discovered in the areas with high CO2 emissions and low pH off Panarea island. These bonsai shoots had significantly lower leaf surface and leaf biomass compared to normal-sized shoots collected within the vents and control sites unaffected by gas emissions.
Correction
Ecology
Carmen B. de los Santos, Luis G. Egea, Marcio Martins, Rui Santos, Pere Masque, Gloria Peralta, Fernando G. Brun, Rocio Jimenez-Ramos
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hung Manh Nguyen, Miriam Ruocco, Emanuela Dattolo, Federica Paola Cassetti, Sebastiano Calvo, Agostino Tomasello, Lazaro Marin-Guirao, Mathieu Pernice, Gabriele Procaccini
Summary: This study examined the adaptation of Posidonia oceanica to local environmental conditions, focusing on the Stagnone di Marsala coastal lagoon. Results showed higher salinity and temperature levels within the lagoon compared to the outer lagoon regions. Genetic analysis revealed genetic isolation and high clonality of the innermost site, with certain outlier loci associated with plant stress response and development regulation. This study provides important insights into the genetic basis of seagrass adaptation to local conditions.
Review
Plant Sciences
Agustin Moreira-Saporiti, Mirta Teichberg, Eric Garnier, J. Hans C. Cornelissen, Teresa Alcoverro, Mats Bjork, Christoffer Bostrom, Emanuela Dattolo, Johan S. Eklof, Harald Hasler-Sheetal, Nuria Marba, Lazaro Marin-Guirao, Lukas Meysick, Irene Olive, Thorsten B. H. Reusch, Miriam Ruocco, Joao Silva, Ana I. Sousa, Gabriele Procaccini, Rui Santos
Summary: Over the past three decades, quantitative approaches based on organism traits have advanced ecological research by establishing links between environmental drivers, functional traits, and ecosystem functions. The ecology of seagrasses, a research subfield, has frequently used trait-based approaches but lacks synthesis. This study compiled a comprehensive trait-based response-effect framework (TBF) and applied it to the global seagrass literature, identifying gaps and opportunities for further research.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Amalia Piro, Daniela Oliva, Dante Matteo Nistico, Ilaria Lania, Maria Rita Basile, Giuseppe Chidichimo, Silvia Mazzuca
Summary: Information on the effects of new biofertilizers on plant growth is limited. This study evaluated the effects of a fast-composting soil amendment on the growth of Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia seedlings. The results showed that the amendment significantly increased growth rate, root biomass, chlorophyll concentration, and total soluble proteins. Proteomic analysis revealed up-regulation of proteins associated with photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism. Overall, the amendment improved plant growth by inducing carbohydrate metabolism and robust root system development.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Raquel Torres, Ana M. Campos, Jacob Goldman, Isabel Barrote, Leonardo Mata, Joao Silva
Summary: Species of the genus Asparagopsis, rich in bromoform, can be used as a feed additive to reduce methane production in ruminant livestock, thus reducing the industry's environmental impact. The study evaluates the effect of different light quality combinations and intensities on the growth and bromoform content of Asparagopsis taxiformis in indoor cultures, providing valuable insights for optimizing biomass and bioactive compound production.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fernando Tuya, Nadine Schubert, Julio Aguirre, Daniela Basso, Eduardo O. Bastos, Flavio Berchez, Angelo F. Bernardino, Nestor E. Bosch, Heidi L. Burdett, Fernando Espino, Cindy Fernandez-Garcia, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Patrick Gagnon, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Ricardo Haroun, Laurie C. Hofmann, Paulo A. Horta, Nicholas A. Kamenos, Line Le Gall, Rafael A. Magris, Sophie Martin, Wendy A. Nelson, Pedro Neves, Irene Olive, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Viviana Pena, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho, Federica Ragazzola, Ana Cristina Rebelo, Claudia Ribeiro, Eli Rinde, Kathryn Schoenrock, Joao Silva, Marina N. Sissini, Frederico T. S. Tamega
Summary: Global marine conservation is hindered by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, which limits progress towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds, despite their global ecological importance and numerous ecosystem functions, remain disproportionately understudied compared to other coastal ecosystems. The lack of information about these habitats and their ecosystem services hampers effective conservation measures, especially considering the severe pressures and threats they face. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize research on rhodolith beds, combat degradation, and protect biodiversity for the future.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Pedro Matias, Isabel Barrote, Goncalo Azinheira, Alberto Continella, Amilcar Duarte
Summary: This article summarises and explains the pruning techniques used in Mediterranean citriculture and highlights the importance of pruning in producing high-quality fruits for the market, as well as facilitating cultivation operations.