Pollution effects on micro- and meiofauna of sand
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363, more
|  |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gray, J.S., more
- Ventilla, R.J.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
The effects of pollutants on lower trophic levels in the sediment ecosystem were investigated. The growth rates of Cristigera were significantly slower in the presence of low conc of heavy metals. The metals acted synergistically on the growth rate. The technique is sensitive and rapid and could be used as a reliable bioassay for assessing suspected polluted sea-water. Sulphuric acid and phenol reduced the growth rate of Dinophilus, whereas dispersal had no effect on growth rate. Temporal studies comparing a suspected polluted and unpolluted beach showed that they had significantly different numbers of meiofauna. However these differences could not categorically be related to pollution. A spatial study on one beach showed a significant change in numbers of meiofauna where sewage pollution occurred. The spatial approach in indicating objectively polluted areas for further study, should be considered before long-term studies on temporal effects of pollution are attempted. |
|
