Macrophytes and ecological status assessment in the Po delta transitional systems, Adriatic Sea (Italy). Application of Macrophyte Quality Index (MaQI)

Abstract

       The paper provides the first checklist and information on the macrophytes of the Po Delta (Italy), a complex of small lagoons and ponds among the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, until now little studied in spite of the water surface of approx. 200 km². The abundance and assemblage composition of macrophytes that colonize these environments and their ecological status have been studied taking into account the most common physico-chemical parameters and the concentration of nutrients in the water column and in the surface sediment.
        Sampling was carried out in 17 sites, placed at Marinetta, Vallona, Caleri, Canarin, Barbamarco and Scardovari lagoons, during two surveys on 13-15 May and 13-15 October 2008. The ecological status was assessed by applying the Macrophyte Quality Index (MaQI) which was adopted by the Italian Ministry of the Environment for the ecological classification of the Italian transitional environments, in agreement with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requirements.