DIVERSITÀ DELLA COMUNITÀ MICROBICA E TURNOVER DI MATERIA ORGANICA NEI SITI COSTIERI DEL MEDITERRANEO

MICROBIAL COMMUNITY DIVERSITY AND ORGANIC MATTER TURNOVER OF COASTAL SITES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Abstract

Within the framework of the Marine Strategy Directive, we conducted a preliminary survey in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to assess the distribution and diversity of the autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial communities and their role in the organic matter turnover. Thirteen stations were sampled at the surface, deep-chlorophyll maximum and at 100 m depth to evaluate: i) trophic parameters (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments); ii) abundance and diversity of the phytoplankton community; and iii) total prokaryotic abundance and enzymatic activity rates. Results revealed both vertical and spatial variability, characterized by low autotrophic biomass and high phosphatase activity throughout the sampled area.