Abstract
Spatial variations on the macrobenthic composition and structure associated with artificial reefs (ARs) on the south-eastern Brazil coast were related to particle size and geochemical characteristics of the sediment and to bottom currents velocity in the vicinity of ARs and two control areas (CAs). The sampling periods were related to Paraiba do Sul River (PSR) flow, highest in summer months. The sediment was more heterogeneous near the ARs, composed mainly of mud and gravel and with greater abundance of shellfish compared to the CAs predominated by mud. The influence of the artificial structures on the hydrodynamics of the site was evident with significantly lower current velocity. Macrobenthos richness, abundance and diversity varied spatially, with higher mean values near the ARs in both sampling periods, reinforcing the influence of artificial structures on the associated infauna. Significant temporal differences in the concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon only on the CAs suggest that the effect of the artificial structures surpasses the environmental seasonality related to the PSR flow. The artificial modules created a more heterogeneous grain size of the sediment that contributed to the enrichment of associated macrobenthos, with higher species richness and abundance due to a higher niche availability.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.