Food web of a confined and anthropogenically affected coastal basin (the Mar Piccolo of Taranto) revealed by carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analyses

摘要: Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis was used to examine the food web of Mar Piccolo Taranto, a coastal basin experiencing several anthropogenic impacts. Main sources (algal detritus, seaweeds, particulate organic matter (POM) sediment (SOM)) benthic pelagic consumers were collected during two contrasting seasons (June April), at four sites distributed over inlets, characterized by different level confinements, inputs presence mussels farming. δ(13)C values revealed an important contribution POM both planktonic pathways, as well influence terrigenous within probably due high seasonal land runoff. Although varied little between sampling dates, δ(15)N spatial variability higher clearly reflected enrichment in second inlet uptake anthropogenically derived material consumers. On other hand, first inlet, isotopic composition did not change response chemical contamination. However, impact polluted sediments near Navy Arsenal detectable macrobenthic trophic structure, showing dominance motile, upper capable face transient conditions reduction more resident deposit feeders. We therefore underline great potential matching with quantitative studies community structure assess effects multiple stressors.