On an extremely dense bloom of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense in lagoons of the Po river delta: Impact on the environment

An extremely dense bloom of the potentially toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense was observed in the lagoons of Ca Pisani (Veneto, Italy) in summer 1993. The lagoons were experiencing a significant eutrophication impact, receiving waste waters from intensive fish culture plants. During their bloom dinoflagellates in the lagoons reached densities of 2 to 4 x 10(6) cells . dm(-3) and a biomass of over 100 g . m(-3). The bloom produced drastic ecological changes in the lagoons. It caused nocturnal anoxia, mortality of macrophytes and the build-up of labile organic matter in the water column. Grazing by the tintinnid Favella sp. contributed to the termination of the bloom of the flagellates. The results show that coastal aqua culture probably stimulates dinoflagellate blooms in shallow brackish lagoons.