A New Multi-Index Method for the Eutrophication Assessment in Transitional Waters: Large-Scale Implementation in Italian Lagoons

Eutrophication represents one of the most impacting threats for ecological status and related ecosystem services transitional waters; hence, its assessment plays a key role in management these ecosystems. A new multi-index method eutrophication assessment, based on index MaQI (Macrophyte Quality Index), trophic TWQI (Transitional Water physicochemical quality elements (sensu Dir. 2000/60/EC), was developed including both driver impact indicators. The study presents large-scale implementation method, which included more than 100 Italian lagoon sites, covering wide variability typologies conditions. Overall, 35% sites resulted eutrophic status, 45% mesotrophic, 25% oligotrophic status.