Responses of functional traits of macrobenthic communities on the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons contamination in three tropical estuaries

摘要: Abstract Estuaries are considered receptors of various contaminants released into the environment, including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), a ubiquitous contaminant. In this study, response subtidal macrofauna in polyhaline zone three tropical estuaries was analyzed using taxonomic approach, multimetric indices, and functional traits, to different levels PAH. The presented distinct degrees contamination, with PAH directly correlated mud percentage organic matter. considerable variation granulometry found studied may indicate complex hydrodynamics, very sedimentary characteristics. community structure showed typical estuarine characteristics, low diversity high dominance. among estuaries, no shared dominant species several occurring just one site, compositions, although other parameters were similar. AMBI indices performed better than separating areas impacts. communities, traits approach demonstrated consolidated patterns such as predominance opportunistic species, generally smaller size detritivore/depositivore, under conditions pollution by load. Local suspensivore organisms relatively more mobility higher provide insight community's behavior on natural anthropogenic stressors. multivariate analyses complementary, emphasizing importance integrating them these environments diagnosis. Stressed need information from entire data set for correct assessment community.