Impact of Anthropogenic Activity and Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems: a Multidisciplinary Approach Integrating Freshwater and Marine Research

This thesis explores the dual impact of anthropogenic activities and climate change on aquatic ecosystems through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing both freshwater and marine environments. The first part of the study applies paleolimnological techniques to sediment cores from Lake Como to examine historical records of human impact, eutrophication, and climate change. By analyzing sedimentary proxies such as diatoms, pigments, and geochemical markers, the research reconstructs the ecological history of the lake, highlighting the influence of external drivers over time. The findings underscore the value of sedimentary archives in understanding long-term ecosystem dynamics, providing essential insights for effective lake management and restoration strategies. The second part focuses on the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the Adriatic Sea, investigating the spread of alien species with a particular emphasis on the blue crab (an invasive species). Through extensive fieldwork and data analysis, the study examines the ecological and economic impacts of this species’ invasion, exploring its potential for sustainable exploitation. This research culminates in the development of a startup aimed at commercializing the blue crab, merging ecological research with practical solutions to mitigate its impact. Overall, this thesis presents the results of two complementary research projects conducted over three years: (i) sediment core analysis to uncover environmental changes in Lake Como, and (ii) an investigation into the ecological and economic significance of alien species in the Adriatic Sea. The work emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental challenges and demonstrates the added value of integrating diverse scientific approaches to address them.