Analysis of macrobenthic community structure in relation to different environmental sources of contamination in two littoral ecosystems from the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Spain)

摘要: Selected chemicals in sediments and the abundances biomasses of macrobenthic species were determined at seven stations from two littoral ecosystems Gulf Cadiz. The marine communities described both that are subjected to different sources levels contamination. A qualitative relationship between source contamination biological effects for each station is proposed results univariate multivariate analysis used discussed. Univariate analyses using conventional community descriptive parameters (number species, abundance richness, Shanon–Weaver evenness indices) numerial contribution major taxonomic groups (i.e., Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Mollusca Crustacea) could not be as a means classifying sites clean or polluted with respect measured. showed methods much more sensitive than techniques. Abundance/biomass comparison (ABC) plots classified into classes mainly related organic However, this did reflect alteration due inorganic This kind valuable evaluation but it cannot discriminate phenomena: pollution (adverse effect associated chemical concentrations) concentrations natural variations).