Establishing the ecological quality status of soft-bottom mining-impacted coastal water bodies in the scope of the Water Framework Directive

摘要: Abstract The aim of the present study was to check usefulness benthic biotic indices proposed for application in European water framework directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) ecological quality classification coastal bodies, together with some other methodologies used different countries world. approaches were applied two marine ecosystems affected by same heavy metal contamination source, waters off Portman and Mar Menor lagoon, both SE Spain. Two Directive (AMBI BENTIX) used, community descriptors (abundance, Shannon–Wiener diversity, Margalef’s species richness, Pielou’s evenness Simpson’s Dominance), relative index (RBI) abundance-biomass comparison method (ABC). Water-sediment interface toxicity bioassays using sea urchin embryos sediment analysis served classifications obtained. classical pointed a progressive variation communities along gradient Portman, but, they did not correctly characterize environmental status lagoon stations. Although RBI that best classified sites according their degree pollution, selection indicator can bias results. Since AMBI, BENTIX ABC are based on pollution resulting from organic enrichment, case purely toxic may be successful, as found these mining-polluted ecosystems. Therefore, development new lists type pollutant serve improve results obtained enrichment-based when studying kinds disturbance. Finally, we tests useful tools assessment aquatic ecosystems, recommend inclusion WFD.