Benthic polychaetes in the Ratnagiri Bay, India : Influence of anthropogenic factors.
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Date
2011-11
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Abstract
Study of changes in macrobenthic community structure is an intrinsic part of many environmental monitoring
programmes. Hence, it is pivotal to distinguish the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on these
sensitive organisms for accurate assessment and management of coastal environment. Polychaete species
diversity of five stations in the Ratnagiri bay was investigated during premonsoon and postmonsoon months
in 2007. Though no spatial trends in polychaete diversity vis-à-vis the pollution was visible, the polychaete
univariate indices were uniformily better in premonsoon indicating clear seasonal trends. Shannon diversity
values ranged from 1.4-2.4 during premonsoon and 0.6-1.6 during postmonsoon. Station 5, which was most
impacted by anthropogenic wastes as demonstrated by the anoxic conditions coupled with higher nutrient
load, had comparatively higher H’ values (1.9 and 1.6) and better evenness values (0.9 and 0.7) during both
seasons indicating that the polychaetes were not influenced by anthropogenic contamination. The study
indicates that the polychaete distribution and diversity in the bay were governed primarily by variations in
sediment texture rather than the anthropogenic disturbances.
Description
Keywords
Polychaete, Sediment, Anthropogenic factors, Macrobenthic community
Citation
Sukumaran Soniya, Bhokepode Kanchan, Telavane Madhavi, Kubal Priti, Gajbhiye S N. Benthic polychaetes in the Ratnagiri Bay, India : Influence of anthropogenic factors. Journal of Environmental Biology. 2011 Nov; 32(6): 719-724.