Monitoring the anthropogenic impacts in Admiralty Bay using meiofauna community as indicators (King George Island, Antarctica)
Gheller, P.F.; Corbisier, T.N. (2022). Monitoring the anthropogenic impacts in Admiralty Bay using meiofauna community as indicators (King George Island, Antarctica). An. Acad. Brasil. Cienc. 94(suppl 1): e20210616. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202220210616
In: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias. Academia Brasileira de Ciencias: Rio de Janeiro. ISSN 0001-3765; e-ISSN 1678-2690, more
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| Keywords |
Nematoda [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Martel Inlet; Antarctic; sewage; pollution effects; meiobenthos; Nematoda |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gheller, P.F.
- Corbisier, T.N.
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| Abstract |
Activities at the Brazilian Antarctic Station (EACF) may cause damage to surrounding environment. Meiofauna was used to evaluate this impact. One area possibly impacted by the stations’ presence (CF) and a reference area (BP) were compared. Sediment samples for meiofauna and environmental variables were obtained in two periods, at two sites and depths in each area. Densities were higher at 20-30m and nematodes were the dominant taxa (90%). Nematode densities ranged from 1,278±599 (BP1 50-60m) to 16,021±12,298 ind.10 cm-² (BP2 20-30m). A total of 68 genera were found. Sample richness ranged from 8 to 26 and diversity from 1.4 to 3.6 bits/ind, both being higher at BP 50-60m, where dominance of epistrate feeders was lower. Selective and non-selective deposit feeders were codominant with similar proportions. Maturity index was high and constant between samples. Aponema, Sabatieria, Daptonema, Dichromadora and Halalaimus were dominant, with higher densities at 20-30m. In contrast, Actinonema, Molgolaimus, Oxystomina and Marylynnia were more abundant at 50-60m. Differences in meiofauna community were found mainly between depths, but not between sites or periods, suggesting no anthropogenic impact. Nevertheless, lower Nematoda diversities and maturity index at 50-60m in CF when compared to BP may indicate a possible anthropogenic effect near EACF. |
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