The influence of submarine groundwater discharges on subtidal meiofauna assemblages in south Portugal (Algarve)

摘要: Abstract Submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) have been documented as contributing to the biological productivity of coastal areas, through a bottom-up support higher trophic levels. Nevertheless, effects on bottom levels food web, namely meiofauna, are still very poorly known. The “Olhos de Agua” beach is only area South coast Portugal where submarine freshwater seepages identified. In this study, meiofauna assemblages in impacted by SGD were compared with from similar area, but without SGD. Samples taken Spring and Summer 2011, under different hydrological regimes, aquifer recharge (after Winter) dryness Spring), respectively. major changes community recorded at seasonal level, abundances number taxa Spring, when Summer. This may be explained better sediment aeration during spring along availability sedimentation phytoplankton blooms. Although no significant differences detected multivariate analysis between Control Impact pair-wise tests interactions factors ( S ) species richness (Margalef's d suggested that discharge stimulated an increase diversity. Such effect can observed control areas also periods regimes (Spring Summer) area. These findings highlight role aquifers suggest contribute enhance transfer energy lower web upper