Phytoplankton Dynamics and Water Quality in the Venice Lagoon

A 20-year study of the Venice Lagoon reveals that water quality has improved from 'moderate' to 'good,' aligning with European environmental directives. Researchers analyzed phytoplankton dynamics, finding diatoms and nanoflagellates as dominant groups, while coccolithophorids and dinoflagellates were less prevalent. No significant long-term trends in phytoplankton abundance or composition were detected, but seasonal and inter-annual variability was observed. The multimetric phytoplankton index (MPI), recently adopted by Italy for water quality assessment, proved effective in tracking temporal changes. This study underscores the importance of long-term ecological monitoring in lagoon ecosystems and highlights the MPI's utility in compliance with water framework directives.

Bernardi Aubry, F., Acri, F., Finotto, S., & Pugnetti, A. (2021). Phytoplankton Dynamics and Water Quality in the Venice Lagoon. Water, 13(19), 2780. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13192780