The use of benthic communities in environmental health assessment

摘要: Quality classification of water bodies commonly hinges upon the results biotic indices. Biotic indices should reliably detect environmental change caused by anthropogenic stress; distinguish between different levels disturbance; and be applicable in areas. This study assesses current methods used assessment benthic ecosystem health transitional coastal waters. Specifically, this considers performance macrozoobenthos based diversity Data utilised covered a range sites gradients including long term monitoring Scotland; impacted fish farms, organic waste discharge, chemical effluent; estuarine sites; from Galway Bay, Ireland, one which was river discharge. Currently status are mainly on structural properties may not encompass all aspects health, such as functioning. Structural functional were evaluated comparing standard abundance approaches focussing intrinsic biological characteristics. Indices did perform consistently response to types impact – organic, physical, indicating some unsuitable for detection multiple stressors. Index quality classifications agreed best most but performed unpredictably moderate conditions. Variability increased disturbance increased, decreasing statistical certainty confidence index values. found more variable than sensitivity needs further testing determine whether they able low level disturbance. Functional advantageous regular over traditional provide informative health. Use traits also give an indication type or cause Classification moderate-good conditions using is particularly ambiguous distinguishing natural remains biggest challenges. The indicate that complementarity important aquatic systems.