New epilithic δ15N-based analytical protocol for classifying Nitrogen impact in Lake Bracciano
Nitrogen inputs in aquatic ecosystems are increasing and climate change is likely to exacerbate cultural eutrophication. The recovery of aquatic ecosystem functionality requires strenuous efforts and entails considerable costs. Therefore, the development of early warning ecological indicators that can help arrest the phenomenon in its early stages is highly desirable. Stable isotope analysis of Nitrogen in algal primary producers has proved useful in determining the origins of Nitrogen inputs in several marine and freshwater ecosystems.