ISSN:
1573-5125
Keywords:
estuarine nematodes
;
organic pollution
;
Ems estuary
;
maturity index
;
succession
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The response of a nematode community to a decreasing organic matter loading was studied. Monthly observations were made at three stations at an intertidal brackish-water mudflat in the Ems estuary in 1980 (highly polluted), 1987 (moderately polluted) and 1993 (no significant pollution). Nematodes were identified and counted in the upper 1 cm of the sediment. The decrease of organic pollution was followed by an increase in species diversity, whereas numerical densities decreased. Diatom eating nematodes, being dominant under eutrophic conditions in 1980, decreased strongly, partly as a consequence of decreasing diatom standing stock. Eudiplogaster pararmatus, an indicator of organic enrichment, decreased strongly to disappear completely in 1993. Bonger's maturity index was used to describe the response of the nematode community. At 2 most polluted stations a strong response was observed from 1980 to 1987: a decrease of ‘colonizer’ species. After 1987, although ‘persister’ species increased, no further development towards a more ‘natural succession’ type community occurred, probably due to the natural stress of the habitat (high mudflat, low salinities).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009901207217
