Ecological Importance of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Changing Marine Environmental Conditions

The effects of changing hydrological and climatic conditions on the dynamics phosphorus (P) were studied in Northern Adriatic Sea (NA), a coastal system currently affected by these changes. P limitation is one key stresses NA it globally important phenomenon aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, response to stress inducing alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was characteristic water types NA, formed freshwater input different thermic conditions. APA providing for microbial growth upper waters dominated assimilation during warmer part year stratified Contrarily, not mixing colder year, as well regeneration. In influenced freshwater, temperature had no effect APA, while high-salinity waters, an factor increase. highest occurred riverine nutrients supply, indicating that alteration anthropogenic nutrient loads might strongly change status this system. Furthermore, predicted increases winter sea summer Po River discharge could delay column mixing, prolonging periods limitation.