Species diversity and functional trait-based approaches in ecological assessment utilizing free-living marine nematodes in Jiaozhou Bay, China

The present study evaluated the potential application of free-living marine nematode assemblages as indicators in assessing environmental condition of Jiaozhou Bay (JB), China. Shannon-Wiener diversity (H′), functional trait indices (Index of Trophic Diversity, ITD and Maturity Index, MI) were utili...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2024-12, Vol.209 (Pt A), p.117178, Article 117178
Main Authors: Karim, Md Abdul, Zhou, Hong, Uddin, Saif Md, Montero-Taboada, Rebeca, Jiang, Qianqian, Zeng, Ruiwen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Aquatic Organisms - classification
Aquatic Organisms - physiology
Bays
Biodiversity
China
Ecological indicator
Ecosystem
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Free-living marine nematode
Functional trait
Nematoda - physiology
Semi-enclosed bay
Species diversity
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Summary:The present study evaluated the potential application of free-living marine nematode assemblages as indicators in assessing environmental condition of Jiaozhou Bay (JB), China. Shannon-Wiener diversity (H′), functional trait indices (Index of Trophic Diversity, ITD and Maturity Index, MI) were utilized to rank the benthic habitat quality of the sampled stations. Most of the nematode genera/species belonged to c-p (colonizer-persister) class 2, indicating dominance of opportunistic nematodes and suggesting organic enrichment in the bay. Based on nematode indices, the ecological condition varied from bad to good. Ranking variations were observed among different indices, suggesting different sensitivity of nematode indices to different types of disturbance. Based on the final ecological quality assessment (EcoQ), most sampled stations were ranked as moderate (station J1 was ranked as poor). Nematode indices are more indicative of the influence of land based discharges. For a comprehensive assessment of benthic ecosystem, combined meiofauna and macrofaunal indicators were suggested. •Intense human activities impacted semi-enclosed bay (Jiaozhou Bay) along China coast.•Free-living marine nematode as potential indicator used in ecological assessment•Diversity (H′) and functional traits based indices (MI, ITD) varied in sensitivity to impacts.•Ecological quality index (EcoQ) indicated major impact from land based discharges.•Combined meiofauna and macrofauna for comprehensive ecological assessment suggested
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117178