Variation in macrofaunal communities of sea grass beds along a pollution gradient in Bolinao, northwestern Philippines

Marine Pollution Bulletin
Venus LeopardasMasahiro Nakaoka

Abstract

This study examined the variation of macrofaunal communities in sea grass beds along a pollution gradient in Bolinao, northwestern Philippines. We established four stations and compared the diversity and abundance of macrofauna between them. The Shannon diversity index in the least polluted station was more than twice higher than that in the most polluted one. Abundance was more than thrice higher in the most polluted station. The species composition generally varied, with community difference explained largely by the predominance of the filter-feeding bivalve Gafrarium pectinatum and polychaete Capitella capitata. Species heterogeneity was reduced along the pollution gradient by approximately 19% from the least polluted to the most polluted station. This reduction indicates biodiversity alteration, which has a significant impact on ecosystem functioning. Aspects of species heterogeneity should be considered in environmental impact assessments and the management of coastal areas encountered with anthropogenic disturbances.

References

Aug 8, 1979·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·J S Gray
Nov 1, 2005·Marine Pollution Bulletin·Ioanna Kalantzi, Ioannis Karakassis
May 19, 2006·Ecology Letters·Marti J AndersonBrian H McArdle
May 6, 2008·Marine Pollution Bulletin·Maria Lourdes San Diego-McGloneGil S Jacinto
Jul 10, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Michelle WaycottSusan L Williams
Jun 27, 2013·Marine Pollution Bulletin·Leanne C Cullen-UnsworthRichard K F Unsworth
May 20, 2014·Marine Pollution Bulletin·Mônica L Botter-CarvalhoPaulo J P Santos
May 31, 2014·Marine Pollution Bulletin·Richard K F UnsworthRob G Coles

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