engleski

Preliminary investigations of biochemical stress markers in Posidonia oceanica leaves from Middle Adriatic

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is an endemic Mediterranean seagrass ecologically very important for the coastal ecosystem in the Adriatic Sea. It forms vast meadows from the sea surface down to depths of more than 30 meters. Recently, many populations of P. oceanica are declining due to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Due to its wide distribution, sedentary habit, abundance and sensitivity to ecological modifications P. oceanica has been used for biomonitoring. The knowledge of physiology of this marine plant and its ability to cope with various stressors is of considerable importance. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes, secondary metabolites and photosynthetic pigments content are valuable biomarkers that could indicate ecosystem disturbance as well as health of the organism. For this preliminary study samples of Posidonia leaves from unpolluted site in Lojišće cove (Natural park Telašćica) were collected and meadow was characterized (meadow density and primary production). In order to find out basic levels of stress biomarkers in unpolluted environment prolin level, lipid peroxidation as well as activity and isoenzyme pattern of antioxidative enzymes (pyrogallol and ascorbate peroxidase and catalase) were determined in extracts of P. oceanica leaves. These biochemical stress markers were investigated for the first time for P. oceanica along the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Posidonia oceanica; biomonitoring; stress biomarkers; Adriatic Sea

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