Use of exergy to detect and measure perturbations affecting Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows: Characterization in the sedimentary compartment

Within the scope of the European Water Framework Directive, it seems important to characterize state and evolution of marine ecosystems in a global way. So, it is proposed to use both thermodynamic indicators called exergy (Ex) and specific exergy (Exsp) in Posidonia oceanica meadows. Aims of this project are to detect and measure perturbations owed to nutrients loading and mechanical spoiling in the Mediterranean coastal zone. It will be led in the Bay of Calvi, on the microbenthic loop (organic matter, bacteria, microphytobenthos and meiofauna) and will be divided in two parts: sampling in different zone of the meadow and in situ experiments. In the end of this study, it will be possible to give a diagnostic on the health of P. oceanica meadow and to determine how this health will evolve, thanks to the introduction of the exergy in a model.