The effect of Zostera noltei recolonization on the sediment mercury vertical profiles of a recovering coastal lagoon

Mercury's extreme toxicity and persistence in the environment justifies a thorough evaluation of its dynamics in ecosystems. Aveiro Lagoon (Portugal) was for decades subject to mercury effluent discharges. A Nature-based Solution (NbS) involving Zostera noltei re-colonization is being tested as an active ecosystem restoration measure. To study the effect of Zostera noltei on the sediment contaminant biogeochemistry, seasonal (summer/winter) sediment, interstitial water and labile mercury vertical profiles were made in vegetated (Transplanted and Natural seagrass meadows) and non-vegetated sites (Bare-bottom area). While no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the sedimentary phase, Zostera noltei presence reduced the reactive/labile mercury concentrations in the top sediment layers by up to 40% when compared to non-vegetated sediment, regardless of season. No differences were found between vegetated meadows, highlighting the fast recovery of the contaminant regulation ecosystem function provided by the plants after re-colonization and its potential for the rehabilitation of historically contaminated ecosystems.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Oliveira, V. H., Fonte, B. A., Costa, F., Sousa, A. I., Henriques, B., Pereira, E., Dolbeth, M., Díez, Sergi, Coelho, J. P.
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier 2023-10-16
Subjects:	Seagrass, DGT, Natural attenuation, NbS, Remediation, http://metadata.un.org/sdg/15, Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/338380 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85174851891
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