Macrofaunal Species Research Articles

Detection of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) (microsporidia) in several species of potential macrofauna-carriers from shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) ponds in Malaysia

Infection by the microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) has become a significant problem in the shrimp cultivation industry in Asian countries like Thailand, China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The outbreak of this microsporidian parasite is predominantly related to the existence of macrofauna-carriers of EHP. However, information about potential macrofauna-carriers of EHP in rearing ponds is still limited. In this study, the screening of EHP in potential macrofauna-carriers was conducted in farming ponds of Penaeus vannamei in three states in Malaysia, namely Penang, Kedah, and Johor. A total of 82 macrofauna specimens (phyla: Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata) were amplified through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting genes encoding spore wall proteins (SWP) of EHP. The PCR results showed an average prevalence of EHP (82.93%) from three phyla (Arthropoda, Mollusca and Chordata). The phylogenetic tree generated from the macrofauna sequences was revealed to be identical to the EHP-infected shrimp specimens from Malaysia (MW000458, MW000459, and MW000460), as well as those from India (KY674537), Thailand (MG015710), Vietnam (KY593132), and Indonesia (KY593133). These findings suggest that certain macrofauna species in shrimp ponds of P. vannamei are carriers of EHP spores and could be potential transmission vectors. This study provides preliminary information for the prevention of EHP infections that can be initiated at the pond stage by eradicating macrofauna species identified as potential vectors.

Relationship of Population Attributes of a Dominant Macrofaunal Species with Environmental Conditions in a Eutrophic Estuary (Guanabara Bay, Brazil)

Hydrobioid gastropods are abundant in coastal systems and ecologically important for ecosystem functioning. We aimed to unravel the relationship between usual and stress-related population attributes of the dominant macrofaunal species Heleobia australis with indicators of environmental quality and coastal pollution. Using Guanabara Bay (GB, Brazil) as a model of a multi-impacted coastal system, our hypothesis is that increased amounts of rainfall during the warm season reduce the bay’s environmental quality and induce shifts in snail population attributes. A suite of environmental variables, population attributes, and sediment quality descriptors was assessed by combining field and laboratory evaluations with literature compilation. Results indicate high organic pollution levels with environmental degradation and reinforce GB status as a severely contaminated system. Some environmental conditions can be applied as seasonal predictors of changes in warm-rainy (rainfall and salinity), intermediate (silicate), and cold-dry seasons (nitrite and nitrate). Three selected usual population attributes (snail density, fecundity, and recruitment) were not affected by changes in environmental conditions, but significant effects were detected on two stress-related attributes (relative penis length index and shell deformity). For the first time, shell deformity was recorded in H. australis snails. Low variation in usual population attributes highlight the high tolerance of H. australis to shifts in environmental conditions.

New insights into the benthic macrofauna composition and structure in a southern-west Mediterranean coastal lagoon after restoration actions: Spatial and Seasonal patterns

The Marchica lagoon (Morocco, Alboran Sea), one of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean, was subject to various restoration actions in 2011 aiming at enhancing its biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here, benthic macrofauna was investigated (28 stations sampled seasonally in 2015) to assess the functioning on the lagoon after these restorations actions. The ultimate aim was to investigate the spatial and seasonal variation of the benthic macrofauna, the environmental drivers, and the potential effects of the recent bioinvasions. Overall, 131 taxa were identified among which two non-indigenous species (NIS) were recorded: Caprella scaura and Paracerceis sculpta. Multivariate analysis of abundances (cluster analysis and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling) allowed the identification of three main groups of stations totalizing seven macrofaunal assemblages. The species which are dominant and/or discriminate each assemblage are Cymodoce truncata, Elasmopus rapax, Ericthonius brasiliensis, Gammarus insensibilis, Heteromastus sp., Aonides oxycephala, Nereis sp., Loripes orbiculatus, P. sculpta and C. scaura. The macrofaunal assemblage composition are subject to seasonal changes, supported by significant differences in several univariate measures, including total number of individuals, number of taxa, and Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index. Furthermore, the Marchica lagoon showed high values of macrofaunal species richness further supporting the idea that the restoration measures had positive consequences. The distribution of the macrobenthic fauna in the study area was affected by a complex of various factors, with depth, temperature, salinity, sediment characteristics and vegetation biomass being the most important predictor variables. Macrofaunal assemblages significantly correlated with environmental variables; and exhibited a “High” to “Good” status in terms of the impact of alien species according to the Alien Biotic Index. However, the high abundance of NIS detected suggests caution about their impact and further spread.

Spatial and seasonal distributions of ten species of benthic macrofauna and twelve water environmental factors in a subtidal zone near the Daya Bay nuclear power plant

In this study, we analyzed the spatial and seasonal distributions of ten species of benthic macrofauna and 12 water environmental parameters at thirty-six sampling stations in the subtidal zone near the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant. The results showed that there were four types of distribution characteristics for 10 species of macrobenthic animals and 12 water environmental factors near the Daya Bay nuclear power plant: (1) three species of benthic macrofauna, namely Apionsoma (Apionsoma) trichocephalus, Amphioplus (Lymanella) laevis, and P. bidentata, and six water environmental parameters, including water depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, chromium, and lead increased from inside the bay to outside the bay. (2) Three species of benthic macrofauna, P. cristata, T. lata, and T. scabra, and four water environmental parameters, including oils, arsenic, total phosphorus, and silicate, decreased from inside to outside the bay. (3) Two species of benthic macrofauna, A. dibranchis, and P. undulatus and one water environmental parameter, pH, were higher in the central bay than inside and outside the bay. (4) One species of benthic macrofauna, Sigambra hanaokai, and one water environmental parameter, total nitrogen, were lower in the central bay than inside and outside the bay. Correlation and BIO-ENV analyses confirmed that water depth was the main environmental factor affecting the ten species of benthic macrofauna. Understanding the distributions of the dominant benthic macrofauna could help protect nuclear cold source systems from benthic macrofaunal blockage and explore marine ecosystem connectivity.

城市嵌草式铺装植被和大型土壤动物群落组成特征——以新泰市为例

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 城市嵌草式铺装植被和大型土壤动物群落组成特征——以新泰市为例 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202109232671 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 福建省中青年教师教育科研项目(JAT210346);厦门理工学院科学技术研究项目(YKJ22009R) Community composition of vegetation and soil macrofauna in the urban grass planting pavement: A case study in Xintai City Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:嵌草式铺装近年来广泛应用于城市停车场及道路,研究其群落组成特征对城市生态的综合治理具有重要意义。以新泰市为例,通过现场采样调研分析探讨了嵌草式铺装对植被和土壤动物群落组成和多样性的影响。结果显示,植被调查中共记录草本植物14科22属22种。牛筋草(Eleusine indica)为新泰市嵌草式铺装中植被的优势种。植被的平均密度和生物量分别为(21.87±2.15)株/m2和(4.15±0.45)g/m2。不同站点间植株密度和高度有显著空间差异(P<0.05),生物量和盖度差异不显著。不同站点的植被物种多样性特征也有所差异。大型土壤动物调查共记录7目8科10种,其中蚁科为优势类群。嵌草式铺装中土壤动物的丰度、生物量均显著高于不透水路面(P<0.05)。逐步回归分析表明,嵌草式铺装中植被和土壤动物的丰度和生物量与土壤的容积密度和含水率等理化性质显著相关(P<0.05)。土壤动物丰度与植被盖度、土壤动物生物量与植被生物量间也具有显著相关关系(P<0.05)。结果表明,嵌草式铺装能够有效提高城市生态系统中植被和土壤动物群落的丰度、生物量和多样性,这种影响是直接和间接多种方式的协同作用。未来应结合多种环境因子的监测,在不同时空尺度上系统探究嵌草式铺装带来的生态效应及其高效合理利用途径。 Abstract:Grass planting pavement has been widely used in urban roads, parks, and parking lots in recent years due to its composite structure of plant-soil-permeable filler. Many scholars have extensively studied its ecological and environmental functions in enhancing infiltration, reducing urban surface runoff, purifying water quality, and adjusting the microclimate of the local ecosystem. However, we had little knowledge about its effects on the organism communities and species diversity, even though it is of great significance to the comprehensive management and planning of the urban ecosystem. Therefore, based on field sampling and investigation, we carried out this study to quantitatively analyze the community composition and species diversity of the vegetation and soil macrofauna in the urban grass planting pavement in 9 sites of Xintai City, Shandong Province, and discuss the ecological effects of the grass planting pavement. A total of 22 species of herbaceous plants in 14 families, 22 genera were recorded in the study. With the highest relative abundance and biomass, Eleusine indica was the dominant species of vegetation in the grass planting pavement in Xintai City. The average abundance and biomass of the vegetation in the grass planting pavement was (21.87±2.15) shoots/m2 and (4.15±0.45) g/m2. There were significantly spatial differences in the shoot density (F=2.671, P<0.05) and stem height (F=2.748, P<0.05) among different sampling sites. Nevertheless, the differences in the vegetation biomass and coverage among different sites were not significant (P＞0.05), though significant differences existed in the pairwise comparison between sites by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) analysis. The species diversity of vegetation at different sites also varied significantly, the lowest value appeared in the grass planting pavement of the hospital parking lot. A total of 10 species in 7 orders, 8 families of the soil macrofauna were recorded in the survey. Formicidae was the dominant group of the soil macrofauna communities in the grass-planting pavement transects. Only two species of soil macrofauna were recorded in the porous pavement transect of all sites. The abundance and biomass of the soil macrofauna in grass planting pavement transect were significantly higher than that in porous pavement (P<0.05). The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that the community characteristics of vegetation and soil macrofauna significantly correlated to the soil physiochemical properties, such as bulk density and water content. The biomass (R2=0.810, P<0.05) and coverage (R2=0.819, P<0.001) of the vegetation in the grass planting pavement had the strongest correlations with the biomass and abundance of the soil macrofauna. The study showed that the grass planting pavement could effectively increase the abundance, biomass, and diversity of the vegetation and soil macrofauna communities in the urban ecosystem. This effect is a direct and indirect synergy of multiple factors, such as trampling frequency, soil texture, water content and some other biological factors. On the basis of long-term monitoring, systematic and comprehensive studies should be carried out in combination with environmental factors in the future to systematically explore the ecological effects of the grass planting pavement and provide a scientific basis for the further efficient and reasonable utilization of the grass planting pavement. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

독도 조하대 대형무척추동물의 군집구조

This study was conducted in June and September 2022 to analyze the macrofauna community of Dokdo. The total number of macrofauna in Dokdo is 120 species (annelida 10, arthropoda 30, chordata 1, cnidaria 3, echinodermata 7, mollusca 60, nemertea 1, porifera 7, sipuncula 1), and the average biomass was 3,624.65 g/㎡ in total (annelida 1.20 g/㎡, arthropoda 381.16 g/㎡, chordata 0.38 g/㎡, cnidaria 0.78 g/㎡, echinodermata 32.74 g/㎡, mollusca 3,182.89 g/㎡, nemertea 0.28 g/㎡, porifera 23.75 g/㎡, sipuncula 1.46 g/㎡), and the everage individuals was 376.67 ind./㎡ (annelida 28.89 ind./㎡, arthropoda 224.56 ind./㎡, chordata 0.11 ind./㎡, cnidaria 1.33 ind./㎡, echinodermata 4.44 ind./㎡, mollusca 103.33 ind./㎡, nemertea 0.22 ind./㎡, porifera 1.78 ind./㎡, sipuncula 12.00 ind./㎡). 60 species, 238.37 g/㎡, 135.33 ind./㎡ from haenyobawi, 83 species, 10,038.61 g/㎡, 776.35 ind./㎡ from ddongyeo, 78 species, 596.96 g/㎡, 218.33 ind./㎡ from hogdomgul were investigated. The number of species, average biomass and average individual showed the highest values in ddongyeo. The dominant species of marine macrofauna based on biomass were Mytilus unguiculatus at 2,778.45 g/㎡, Pseudoctomeris sulcata at 279.19 g/㎡, Turbo cornutus at 132.11 g/㎡, Neopycnodonte cochlear at 199.26 g/㎡ and Ostrea circumpicta at 80.86 g/㎡. In both the survey period, Mytilus unguiculatus were the highest at 2,466.19 g/㎡ and 3,090.70 g/㎡, respectively, and it was judged to be a good environment for mussels to inhabit. Research on marine macrofauna in Dokdo has been conducted irregularly in the past, and continuous research and long-term monitoring are needed to accurately determine the community structure.

Biofouling growth on plastic substrates: Experimental studies in the Black Sea

Despite long-term research on marine litter there is still insufficient knowledge about benthic organisms associated with these substrates, especially experimental studies and methodology of sampling for complex biofouling assemblages. To predict the fate of plastic in the marine environment it is necessary to know how long the macrolitter can stay in different sea matrices and what are the steps of colonisation by marine organisms. The experiments were carried out during various seasons in situ in the north-western Black Sea coastal area. Three new types of the experimental constructions intended for different durations of exposure (1–10 months) were designed. This article is the first to present the methodology and the results of complex experiments investigating marine fouling (from microalgae to meio- and macrofauna) on plastic surfaces. Overall, 28 genera of microalgae, 13 major groups of meiobenthos and 36 species of macrofauna were found on plastic during the experiments. The microalgae fouling was mainly formed by representatives of genus Cocconeis. The species composition of microalgae was common for the research area. The average density and biomass of meiobenthos were the greatest on I construction type after 8 months of exposure. In the total macrozoobenthos biomass and density of Bivalvia and Crustacea dominated, respectively. The obtained results on the interaction between fouling organisms and plastic materials in the marine environment form an important contribution to the understanding of the "good ecological status" of the sea. Additional studies based on the tested methodology could be used as a component of ecological monitoring during development and implementation of the approaches of the Marine Strategy (descriptor 10).

Methane seep communities on the Koryak slope in the Bering Sea

Methane seep communities on the Koryak slope in the Bering Sea were discovered in 2018 during the 82nd cruise of the RV Akademik M.A. Lavrentyev using ROV Comanche 18. Methane seeps found between 400 m and 695 m depth are the northernmost chemosynthesis-based habitats (∼61°N) known to date in the Pacific. Macrofauna species composition and community structure of methane seep and background benthic communities were investigated at three depth horizons: 400–402 m, 417–429 m and 647–695 m.A total of 335 macrofaunal species were identified. At the depth 647–695 m the species richness in the methane seep communities was 265 species and 72 species in the background. The deepest seep communities were characterized by the highest species richness, relatively high evenness and strong variations in the composition and structure. At shallower depths the species richness was low: 33–34 species at methane seeps and 66–71 in the background. The methane seep communities at shallow depths showed relatively low evenness and low diversity of community structure. The highest species richness at the greatest depth can be related in part to increased habitat heterogeneity associated with carbonate crusts and vesicomyid clam beds occurring only at deeper methane seeps. The deepest methane seep communities were dominated by the chemosymbiotrophic pliocardiine Calyptogena pacifica; dominant in the background was the ophiuroid Ophiophthalmus normani. At shallower methane seeps only single specimens of C. pacifica were found. The shallower methane seeps were dominated by the background species despite numerous extensive bacterial mats and high potential toxicity of the environment. The seep community at 417–429 m was dominated by the echinoid Brisaster latifrons with population density on the bacterial mat four times higher than in the background. Four chemosymbiotrophic species were recorded at 647–695 m and only one was found at shallower depths. Potentially obligate to reducing habitats polychaetes of the genus Neosabellides and Ophryotrocha occurred in methane seep communities at all depths. Further geochemical, geological and microbiological studies are required to better characterize differences of methane seeps at different depths and reasons of these differences.

Macrobenthic diversity response to the atlantification of the Arctic Ocean (Fram Strait, 79°N) – A taxonomic and functional trait approach

This is the first study presenting temporal changes of the macrofauna biodiversity along the bathymetric gradient from the shelf to abyssal depths in the eastern Fram Striat. In this region, between 2004 and 2008, a significant increase in surface water temperature was observed due to the transport of Atlantic water from lower latitudes and was defined as a Warm Water Anomaly (WWA). Effects of the WWA in the eastern Fram Strait were observed across the entire food web, from the pelagic to the deep seafloor. The material for our study was collected before (in 2000) and after the WWA (in 2010 and 2017) at station depths ranging from 203 m to 5561 m. Samples of macrofauna and surface sediments were collected with use of a box corer to analyze species composition and functional traits, and environmental characteristics in sediments. We explore the influence of environmental changes on the structure (species composition and diversity) and functioning (functional trait composition and diversity) of macrofauna communities. An increase of primary production in surface waters during and after the WWA was reflected in a higher food availability at the seafloor from shelf to abyssal depths. Warming induced environmental changes led to an increase of macrofauna density and taxonomic diversity at all water depths. Macrofauna species composition significantly changed after the WWA. At all study sites, macrofauna functional diversity increased after the warm period. Functional trait composition changed significantly along the bathymetric transect. Despite changes in the taxonomic composition, macrofauna communities at the shallowest stations showed high functional redundancy, i.e., trait composition remained unchanged after the WWA. At water depths below 1500 m, where functional redundancy was significantly lower, functional trait composition changed significantly after the WWA. Our results suggest that macrofauna communities on the shelves are more resistant to environmental changes compared to deep-sea assemblages in the eastern Fram Strait.

Articles of Significant Interest in This Issue

Lim et al. (e00290-22) recovered metagenomes from the gut contents and body fragments of methane ice worms, the only macrofaunal species known to inhabit methane hydrates. The metagenomes predicted high metabolic versatility but the dominance of an uncultured Sulfurospirillum suggests a critical role for sulfur-cycling symbionts in the adaptation of the worms to environments that represent some of the largest reserves of natural gas globally.

Analysis of Diversity and Abundance Soil Insects in Taman Gumi Banten, Forest of Wanagiri Village, Buleleng

The forest in Wanagiri Village about 1.055 ha, and almost 250 ha of that forest managed as “village forest”. Village forest is the forest that is used by villagers, and in addition to being a natural reservoir area and maintaining water availability. This research aims to explored diversity and abundance soil insects that play a role in maintaining soil fertility. Surface insects were collected using the pitfall trap method, while infauna or ground insects were collected using the core method. The site of this research consists of 8 plots each site with random purposive sampling. The results showed that macrofauna species were higher than infauna. The diversity Index of soil insects is in the low category (0.355987).

Dominance of Sulfurospirillum in Metagenomes Associated with the Methane Ice Worm (Sirsoe methanicola).

Sirsoe methanicola, commonly known as the methane ice worm, is the only macrofaunal species known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico methane hydrates. Little is known about this elusive marine polychaete that can colonize rich carbon and energy reserves. Metagenomic analysis of gut contents and worm fragments predicted diverse metabolic capabilities with the ability to utilize a range of nitrogen, sulfur, and organic carbon compounds through microbial taxa affiliated with Campylobacterales, Desulfobacterales, Enterobacterales, SAR324, Alphaproteobacteria, and Mycoplasmatales. Entomoplasmatales and Chitinivibrionales were additionally identified from extracted full-length 16S rRNA sequences, and read analysis identified 196 bacterial families. Overall, the microbial community appeared dominated by uncultured Sulfurospirillum, a taxon previously considered free-living rather than host-associated. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) classified as uncultured Sulfurospirillum predicted thiosulfate disproportionation and the reduction of tetrathionate, sulfate, sulfide/polysulfide, and nitrate. Microbial amino acid and vitamin B12 biosynthesis genes were identified in multiple MAGs, suggesting nutritional value to the host. Reads assigned to aerobic or anaerobic methanotrophic taxa were rare. IMPORTANCE Methane hydrates represent vast reserves of natural gas with roles in global carbon cycling and climate change. This study provided the first analysis of metagenomes associated with Sirsoe methanicola, the only polychaete species known to colonize methane hydrates. Previously unrecognized participation of Sulfurospirillum in a gut microbiome is provided, and the role of sulfur compound redox reactions within this community is highlighted. The comparative biology of S. methanicola is of general interest given research into the adverse effects of sulfide production in human gut microbiomes. In addition, taxonomic assignments are provided for nearly 200 bacterial families, expanding our knowledge of microbiomes in the deep sea.

Assessing ecological health in areas with limited data by using biological traits

A multitude of biotic indices that represent environmental status have been developed over the past decades making status comparisons difficult. However, transferring an existing index to a new region can be problematic due to differing stressors, ecosystem components and lack of knowledge on regional species sensitivities. Here we assess whether calculating species sensitivities to specific stressors based on biological traits offers a solution. We use biological traits of macrofaunal species to assess sensitivity to suspended sediment concentrations and calculated the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) at 47 sites across a suspended sediment gradient. This trait-based modification of the BQI was well correlated (0.82) to suspended sediment. Problems previously highlighted, relating to trait plasticity and differential weightings of indifferent and beneficial species, were investigated but did not strongly affect results. A trait-based approach has the additional benefit that the data could be easily converted to evaluate ecosystem function.

Effectiveness of ecomodules in increasing aquatic biodiversity and bioproductivity in a port environment.

In early spring of 2018, so called ecomodules were attached to support piles of jetties within the polyhaline part of the port of Rotterdam. The objective of the ecomodules is to increase bioproductivity and biodiversity of the port basins and waterways, by ‘greening’ nautical infrastructure structures, which would otherwise support few species. An ecomodule consists of a coated steel construction of 1 meter wide and 4 meters high to which elements of structural diversity that facilitate the settlement and growth of organisms can be attached. About a quarter of the ecomodule protrudes above the water level at low tide, the other part is permanently under water. Five different types (I to V) of ecomodules have been tested. Ecomodules with: (I, cups, reference) tidal cups and a subtidal concrete reference slab, (II, ropes) used nylon hawsers with a diameter of 12 cm, (III, drainage pipes) drainage pipes sheathed with polypropylene with a diameter of 12,5 cm, (IV, fender hulas) bundles of thin nylon threads (untangled used hawsers), and (V roots) strands with 3 mm thick nylon strings with a length of 40 cm each. Monitoring of the ecomodules took place in the summers of 2018 and 2019.The biofouling on all ecomodules was zonate both inter- and subtidal. Different types of seaweed were found of which Ulva spec. occurred on all ecomodules while the large seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder wrack) only occurred on type II and IV. Amongst the macrofauna some groups/species clearly (co-)dominated the different types of ecomodules: barnacles and Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oysters) on type I, ascidians on type I, II, III and IV, hydrozoans on type II, III and V, bryozoans on type IV, while with a coverage of nearly 100% Mytilus edulis (Blue mussel) dominated type V.The ecomodules with elements of structural diversity vs the concrete reference plate scored higher on both biodiversity and bioproductivity. The total number of macrofaunal species found on the ecomodules ranged from 23 to 39 in order from lowest to highest number on respectively type, I (concrete reference plate), IV, V, II, III. The wet biomass on the ecomodules ranged from 5225 gr.m-2 to 80096 gr.m-2 in order from lowest to highest weight on respectively type, I (concrete reference plate), IV, III, II, V.We conclude that ecomodules can be an effective means to increase biodiversity and biomass in an aquatic environment consisting to a large extent of artificial structures, such as a port. An ideal ecomodule was designed based on the findings of the experiment and will be applied to mooring posts in a new project.

Eelgrass meadows harbor more macrofaunal species but bare sediments can be as functionally diverse

Seagrass meadows are important ecosystem engineers, providing habitat for a range of marine organisms which sustain many ecosystem functions. Due to global loss of seagrass, conservation and restoration incentives are rapidly increasing. However, it is not well understood how environmental setting affects the structural and functional diversity of macrofaunal communities in eelgrass meadows (Zostera marina), and to what extent their importance as macrofaunal habitat is affected by abiotic variables across spatial scales. In the present study, we explored macrofaunal communities in eelgrass meadows and adjacent bare habitats across contrasting environments in Southern Sweden. We assessed taxonomic and functional diversity in concert and evaluated environmental properties as explanatory variables for the observed differences. Our results showed that eelgrass meadows supported a significantly higher taxonomic richness and abundance compared to adjacent bare sediments whereas differences in structural and functional diversity was mainly a function of site and highly influenced by dominance of the polychaete Pygospio elegans. Interestingly, functional redundancy was higher in brackish compared to marine sites, illustrating the effect of generalist species that cover a wide range of functional traits. Abiotic sediment variables did not explain the variation in structural or functional diversity, but were largely overshadowed by the effect of eelgrass and its belowground biomass. From a restoration perspective, our results imply that the positive effects of eelgrass restoration are similar across environments and that the presence of eelgrass is the most important factor in structuring benthic communities, but the effects on functional diversity and redundancy need further attention.

Macro Faunal Diversity in Date Palm Plantation Soils of Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This research assessed the macro-faunal diversity in soil of date palm plantation of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. Parameters evaluated included; assemblage and diversity of soil macro invertebrates based on growth performances of the date palm. The plantation was divided according to growth variabilities. Assessment of macro fauna species was carried out using plots of 20m × 20m which was randomly selected, using plots of 1m x 1m that where laid at each anger point,Top soil for biological assessment of soil samples, were collected using trowels at depths ranging from 0-30cm depth. The soil samples was immediately spread on board of about 60cm2 and sorted for the presence of macro fauna. Soil macro-invertebrates ‘identification and enumeration. Soil macro-invertebrate assemblage was analyzed for diversity indices of species using relevant formulae. Results showed a total of 648 macro fauna scattered within the study area. Seventeen (17) Families of macro fauna were also identified in the study. Lumbricus terrestris (earthworm), the Heterotermes species (termites) and those belonging to the Formicidae family (ants) were the groups having the highest number of individuals. Leading to the conclusion that soil Macro fauna were present in the study area. However, the numbers of macro fauna were very active in the date palm plantation soil. This is an indication that strong relationship exists between macro fauna-invertebrates the date palm trees.

Community Structure of Benthic Macrofauna and the Ecological Quality of Mangrove Wetlands in Hainan, China

Few studies have systematically assessed the ecological status of mangrove wetlands following the stress of anthropogenic activities in China. This study investigated the spatial and seasonal distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and assessed the ecological quality of mangrove habitats on an island scale in Hainan, China (containing the third largest mangrove area of China and the highest mangrove species richness). For the benthic macrofauna community structure, a total of 102 macrobenthic taxa belonging to 50 families were identified, with Crustaceans, Molluscs, Polychaetes, and Oligochaeta having relative abundances of 52.3%, 36.1%, 10.8%, and 0.8%, respectively. Decapoda and Gastropoda dominated the benthic community abundance. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and an analysis of similarities revealed significantly different macroinvertebrate assemblages among the regions during the two seasons. The South mangroves had the lowest macrofauna species numbers, biodiversity, richness, and abundance. The macrofaunal species richness, Shannon index, Margalef index, abundance, and biomass markedly affected by region and season. As indicated by the biotic indices AMBI (AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index) and M-AMBI, more than half of the mangrove habitats on Hainan Island were slightly to heavily disturbed and had poor to moderate ecological quality. Our results recommend long-term monitoring for evaluating the quality status of mangrove wetlands and avoiding extensive land-use conversion of mangroves. Holistic approaches considering ecological characteristics and combining information on both floral and faunal functionality would contribute to the effective management and conservation of mangroves in disturbed areas.

Benthic–Pelagic Coupling in the Oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean: A Synthesis of the HYPOXIA Project Results

Benthic–pelagic coupling studies have shown that the response of the benthic system to eutrophication is subject to complex nonlinear dynamics with specific thresholds beyond which abrupt changes in the response of the ecosystem occur and time lags between inputs and responses. The “HYPOXIA: Benthic–pelagic coupling and regime shifts” project aimed to investigate how nutrient input in the water column results in ecological processes of eutrophication, which may lead to significant, irreversible changes in the eastern Mediterranean marine ecosystems within a short period of time. The project included analysis of historical water and benthic data, field sampling, and mesocosm experiments. From the project results, it can be concluded that nutrient inputs are quickly capitalized by small phytoplankton species in the water column resulting in the bloom of specific species with high nutrient uptake capabilities. When Eutrophic Index values (calculated using nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations) cross the moderate-to-poor threshold, the precipitating organic matter can cause observable effects on the benthic system. Depending on eutrophication intensity and persistence, the effects can start from microbenthos, meiofauna, and macrofauna increase in abundance and biomass to significant changes in the community structure. The latter includes the proliferation of macrofaunal opportunistic species, an increase in deposit feeders, and the high risk of ecosystem quality degradation. However, contrary to other regions of the world, no water hypoxia or benthic dead zones were observed as chlorophyll-a and O2 concentrations showed a positive correlation. This is caused by the high photosynthetic activity of the phytoplankton and microphytobenthos, the increased bioturbation of macrofauna, and the increased abundance of sediment deposit-feeding species, which quickly consume the excess organic matter. Eastern Mediterranean coastal ecosystems show high resilience to the adverse effects of eutrophication, preventing hypoxia and azoic conditions when eutrophication is the only source of environmental disturbance.

SOIL QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS: A STUDY IN LORALAI DISTRICT, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Loralai is the district of Balochistan, Pakistan. Climate of this region is arid and farmers rely on rainfall and groundwater irrigation. In this study, seven orchards, seven croplands, two farms under tree-based intercropping were sampled for soil organic matter (SOM) and soil macrofauna. These farms have diverse management history and are of various ages since under agricultural practices. The soil organic matter in upper soil layer (0-10 cm depth) of orchards was 30% higher (18.9 ± 6.3 g kg-1 soil) than croplands (13.2 ± 2.9 g kg-1 soil; P &lt; 0.05). The highest concentration of SOM was found in the soil of diversified tree-based intercropping field (26.07±1.35 g kg-1 soil) with the history of 10 years of conservation agriculture (shallow tillage with organic and inorganic fertilizer input) and crop rotation with no fallow period. The total number of macrofauna and number of species of macrofauna was also found higher in diversified tree-based intercropping system. In general, number of soil fauna was higher in the orchards (5.25 ± 3.3 per site sampled) than croplands (2 ± 0.81 per site sampled). This study demonstrates that diversified agro-ecosystem under conservation agriculture in this arid region enhanced concentration of SOM and number and species of soil macrofauna.

Assessment of macro-faunal diversity of nipa swamp in Bisagu, Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines

Abstract. Taguiam JMB, Bayani GU, Pacris Jr. FA, Banadero RR, Baloloy MV. 2022. Assessment of macro-faunal diversity of nipa swamp in Bisagu, Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 1852-1856. Nipa (Nypa fruticans) is one of the most common, widely distributed, and useful trees in the mangrove forest of Southeast Asia. It is being utilized in the production of roof thatching, wine and vinegar, and recent scientific studies have been done for the utilization of nipa sap in the production of bio-ethanol. Moreover, nipa has also contributed ecologically as it acts as a barrier during typhoons and storm surges helps prevent soil erosion along the banks of villages near river areas. The study area is located in barangay Bisagu, Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines where nipa plantation covers 550.51 ha and is utilized by the community. As we all know, mangroves areas as home to aquatic animals thus the study conducted takes on the diversity of macrofaunal species in a nipa-dominated mangrove area. Sampling areas were constructed, the proximal, middle and distal quadrat with 10 m by 10 m dimensions. Species collected in the area yield 11, where 10 is successfully identified and 1 species is not identified. Results showed that macrofaunal species in a nipa-dominated mangrove area show very low diversity. Shannon-wiener diversity index of the community showed a result of only 0.97457 and its equitability at 0.04, which concluded as low species evenness distribution.