Zostera noltei response to transplantation into historically Hg-contaminated sediments (A mesocosm experiment): Growth, bioaccumulation and photosynthetic performance

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seagrass recolonization as a nature-based solution for the recovery of a coastal area historically contaminated by mercury (Laranjo Bay, Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). A mesocosm approach was employed to assess the resistance of Zostera noltei to t...

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Published in:Chemosphere (Oxford) 2023-10, Vol.337, p.139374-139374, Article 139374
Main Authors: Fonte, B.A., Oliveira, V.H., Sousa, A.I., Lopes, C.B., Henriques, B., Pereira, M.E., Figueira, E., Calado, R., Lillebø, A.I., Coelho, J.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioaccumulation
Biomass
Ecosystem restoration
Estuaries
Geologic Sediments
Mercury
Mercury - analysis
Nature-based solution
Plants
Seagrasses
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
Zosteraceae
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Summary:The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seagrass recolonization as a nature-based solution for the recovery of a coastal area historically contaminated by mercury (Laranjo Bay, Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). A mesocosm approach was employed to assess the resistance of Zostera noltei to transplantation into contaminated sediments collected in-situ (0.5–20 mg kg−1 Hg). At each sampling time (15, 30, 60, 120 and 210 days), the resistance of transplanted Z. noltei was evaluated through growth parameters (biomass and coverage area), photosynthetic performance and elemental composition. Although some significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments, essentially associated with the elemental composition of plant tissues, the most relevant variations were associated with seasonality. Overall, plants were found to not be affected by sediment contamination, under the tested concentrations, suggesting that recolonization with Z. noltei can be an effective restoration strategy for historically contaminated coastal areas. [Display omitted] •Generally, no differences were observed between control and experimental treatments.•Differences between sampling moments reflect the seasonality of the plants.•Z. noltei can resist transplantation into a wide range of sediment contamination.•Z. noltei is a viable rehabilitation tool for historically contaminated ecosystems.
ISSN:0045-6535
1879-1298
DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139374