Microphytobenthos diversity and community structure across different micro-estuaries and micro-outlets: Effects of environmental variables on community structure.

摘要: This study forms the first basic assessment of microphytobenthos (MPB) dynamics in micro-estuaries and micro-outlets southern Africa. It examines MPB community responses to environmental variables further investigates composition qualitatively across different over four seasons a warm temperate region subcontinent. Combinations multivariate analyses were used explore similarities differences communities between systems. Human-induced catchment changes microsystems ranged from no alteration (rating 0; mostly micro-outlets) extreme modification 5; micro-estuaries). Two hundred sixty-seven taxa identified within all microsystems, with 247 230 MPB being observed micro-outlets, respectively. The differed slightly terms microsystem types seasons, but significant observed. Multivariate (i.e. Boosted Regression Trees, Canonical Correspondence Analysis) showed that water column important structuring communities, soluble reactive phosphorus, sediment pH, turbidity, ammonium temperature documented as key drivers. clearly reflected influence anthropogenic activities on species structure. Moderately modified catchments resulted structure variation among bodies relationship land use salinity gradients. found that; (i) by virtue their size, are likely be particularly vulnerable pressures when compared systems larger size; (ii) typical impacted state may reflect reduced heterogeneity which, systems, achieved much shorter time periods (following particular event) or under less intensive impacts; (iii) response predictably concomitant change complex dynamic (structure spatio-temporal attributes) one approaches homogeneous (poor spatial zonation, strong taxonomic dominance, low diversity).