Halophyte bio-optical phenotyping: A multivariate photochemical pressure index (Multi-PPI) to classify salt marsh anthropogenic pressures levels

摘要: Abstract Salt marsh ecosystems are extremely impacted by human activities whilst also acting as sinks of contaminants such heavy metals. Halophytic plant species can survive and thrive in estuarine coastal areas with higher salt conditions that generally not favourable to most plants. Halophyte distribution abundance clearly relate anthropogenic pressure levels thus the impact metals needs be rapidly assessed monitored a fast-developing world. To assess manage this search for suitable efficient biomarkers is great importance, aiming produce clear picture environmental quality. The present work aimed evaluate application optical tools, like non-invasive chlorophyll pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry, four halophytic (Halimione portulacoides, Sarcocornia fruticosa, Spartina maritima patens), from three marshes Tagus estuary different degrees contamination, investigate inclusion Multivariate Photochemical Pressure Index (Multi-PPI) destined ecological quality assessment. index allowed distinguish between less (Alcochete) more (Rosario Seixal) metal contaminated marshes. This was observed particularly S. maritima, which Multi-PPI lower sites, albeit pattern similarly patens fruticosa. On other hand, H. phytoextractor species, increased contamination gradient along marshes, therefore strategy should considered when applying index. Therefore, since these well represented Mediterranean, use tools generate an easy fast will have on future transitional ecosystem pollution assessments ecotoxicology research.