Abstract
The specific composition and abundance variation of the ciliate community from a wastewater discharge zone in the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina, were studied all throughout a year, from June 1995 to May 1996. The polluted area exhibited high values of particulate organic matter and nutrients, particularly phosphates. Aloricate ciliates were represented by 15 species belonging to the genera Strombidium Claparède & Lachmann, 1859; Strombidinopsis Kent, 1881; Cyrtostrombidium Lynn & Gilron, 1993; Strobilidium Schewiakoff, 1983; Lohmmanniella Leegaard, 1915 and Tontonia Fauré-Fremiet, 1914. Tintinnids were represented by nine species belonging to the genera Tintinnidium Kent, 1881, Tintinnopsis Stein, 1867 and Codonellopsis Jörgensen, 1924. The total abundance of aloricate ciliates reached a peak of 1,800 ind. 1-1 and the total abundance of tintinnids reached a peak of 9,400 ind. 1-1. Tintinnidium balechi Barría de Cao, 1981 was the most abundant ciliate in the community. Considerations on the presence and abundance of ciliates are made in relation to physicochemical and biochemical parameters.
Highlights
The major source of organic pollution in the world is domestic sewage (CURDS, 1982)
The total abundance of aloricate ciliates reached a peak of 1,800 ind. l-1 and the total abundance of tintinnids reached a peak of 9,400 ind. l-1
Salinity, turbidity, particulate organic matter (POM), nutrients, Chlorophyll “a”, and phaeopigments were measured at both stations on each sampling date
Summary
The major source of organic pollution in the world is domestic sewage (CURDS, 1982). It is common for untreated sewage to be passed directly to the sea. Such is the case in Bahía Blanca City, Argentina. Sewage contains large amounts of organic matter, which, when utilized by bacteria, reduces the dissolved oxygen levels in the aquatic environment. This fact can cause great damage to marine organisms. The disposal of sewage in the sea is considered to be the major source of addition of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds to the aquatic environment. Wastes discharged into the sea cause eutrophication, which modifies the planktonic populations in coastal waters
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