The Role of Cymodocea nodosa and Caulerpa prolifera Meadows as Nitrogen Sinks in Temperate Coastal Lagoons

In coastal lagoons, marine benthic macrophyte meadows can be an important element in the resistance to eutrophication of ecosystem, as they function temporary nitrogen sinks, limiting availability this nutrient for opportunistic organisms. The role sinks two dominant species Mediterranean seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and seaweed Caulerpa prolifera, was analysed by different approaches: (i) studying nitrate (NO3-) ammonium (NH4+) uptake kinetics aboveground tissues a laboratory (ii) estimating stocks demands under natural conditions. studies were carried out lagoon Mar Menor, which has been subjected high anthropogenic inputs decades. While both macrophytes efficient exploiting NH4+ from water column, only C. prolifera showed NO3- capacity. Large N pools Menor detected, suggesting that these habitats may have potential essential reservoirs nutrient. However, major belowground seagrasses accumulation determine differences between storage sequestration. data on suggest contribution controlling into lagoon. We conclude play key sink dissolved inorganic temperate being mechanism eutrophication.