The use of nematodes in assessing ecological conditions in shallow waters surrounding a Mediterranean harbour facility
Losi, V.; Ferrero, T.J.; Moreno, M.; Gaozza, L.; Rovere, A.; Firpo, M.; Marques, J.C.; Albertelli, G. (2013). The use of nematodes in assessing ecological conditions in shallow waters surrounding a Mediterranean harbour facility. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 130: 209-221. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2013.02.017
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more
|  |
| Keywords |
Nematoda [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
free-living nematodes; human impact; harbours; environmental quality assessment; bioindicators; Mediterranean Sea |
| Authors | | Top |
- Losi, V.
- Ferrero, T.J.
- Moreno, M.
- Gaozza, L.
|
- Rovere, A.
- Firpo, M.
- Marques, J.C.
- Albertelli, G.
|
|
| Abstract |
The spatial distribution and structure of nematode assemblages in the area surrounding the harbour of Vado Ligure (Savona, NW Mediterranean) were studied in relation to the influence of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. Stations were selected following an “anthropogenic gradient” from sites located near the city centre and its harbour to more pristine and distant sites. Sediment quality was determined by considering both sediment granulometric and chemical parameters (hydrocarbons, heavy metals, total organic matter, proteins, carbohydrates) as well as nematode abundance, diversity, life strategies, trophic structure and assemblage composition. A high correlation between environmental characteristics and the nematode response was found. On the basis of the comparison of these results, which identified three distinct sub-areas associated with different levels of environmental quality, a set of nematode indicator genera was selected for the future evaluation of quality status. |
|
