Transplantation of seagrass (Zostera noltei) as a potential nature-based solution for the restoration of historically contaminated mudflats.

Within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) framework, a Nature-based Solution (NbS) using Zostera noltei transplants was tested to restore a historically contaminated intertidal area. In-situ transplantation relied on patches of seagrass and sediment from a Donor meadow and its evolution was monitored for two years. The evaluation of the transplant success encompassed the seagrass coverage area, seagrass biomass, tissue mercury (Hg) accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency.

The effect of Zostera noltei recolonization on the sediment mercury vertical profiles of a recovering coastal lagoon.

Mercury's extreme toxicity and persistence in the environment justifies a thorough evaluation of its dynamics in ecosystems. Aveiro Lagoon (Portugal) was for decades subject to mercury effluent discharges. A Nature-based Solution (NbS) involving Zostera noltei re-colonization is being tested as an active ecosystem restoration measure.

Zostera noltei response to transplantation into historically Hg-contaminated sediments (A mesocosm experiment): Growth, bioaccumulation and photosynthetic performance.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seagrass recolonization as a nature-based solution for the recovery of a coastal area historically contaminated by mercury (Laranjo Bay, Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). A mesocosm approach was employed to assess the resistance of Zostera noltei to transplantation into contaminated sediments collected in-situ (0.5-20 mg kg Hg).