The use of nematodes in assessing ecological conditions in shallow waters surrounding a Mediterranean harbour facility

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe spatial distribution and structure of nematode assemblages in the area surrounding the harbour of Vado Ligure (Savona, NW Mediterranean) were studied in relation to the influence of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. Stations were selected following an "anthropogenic gradient" from sites located near the city centre and its harbour to more pristine and distant sites. Sediment quality was determined by considering both sediment granulometric and chemical parameters (hydrocarbons, heavy metals, total organic matter, proteins, carbohydrates) as well as nematode abundance, diversity, life strategies, trophic structure and assemblage composition. A high correlation between environmental characteristics and the nematode response was found. On the basis of the comparison of these results, which identified three distinct sub-areas associated with different levels of environmental quality, a set of nematode indicator genera was selected for the future evaluation of quality status.

Changes of benthic bacteria and meiofauna assemblages during bio-treatments of anthracene-contaminated sediments from Bizerta lagoon (Tunisia)

“…Such treatments might promote the natural recovery of ecosystems. Additionally, our results confirm the potential use of nematodes for assessing the ecological conditions of coastal environments (Losi et al 2013) since it was the sole meiofaunal group present in all treatments throughout the present experiment.…”

A review of Italian research on free-living marine nematodes and the future perspectives on their use as Ecological Indicators (EcoInds)

“…They found that the latter proved to be the best tool for the evaluation of EcoQ status. Other studies found that the analysis of nematode assemblages at the genus level represents the most informative tool in relation to the EcoQ: in the study of Losi et al (2013a) the analysis of the nematode assemblage at the level of genus revealed the best connection between environmental status and biological response, and in Losi et al (2012) only the genera analysis brought to light early changes in the community due to the touristic pressure. The same results are reported by Vezzulli et al (2008) and Mirto et al (2014) in relation to the fish farm impact and by Schratzberger et al (2009) in relation to physical stress.…”

“…Harbours are exposed to multiple contaminants such as toxic compounds, trace elements, hydrocarbons and OM (Losi et al, 2013a). Given the increasing occurrence of problems to marine life and human health associated with harbours and all the implications for the EcoQ status, several studies on the effects of the harbours' environmental conditions on nematode assemblages were conducted in the Ligurian Sea Moreno et al, 2008aMoreno et al, , b, 2009Losi et al, 2013a,b) (Fig.…”

“…Vado Ligure (Savona) harbour and its surroundings were studied by Losi et al (2013a). Stations were selected along an anthropogenic disturbance gradient.…”

“…fishing impacts, pollution, climate change, eutrophication, and the establishment of alien species) with extensive synergistic effects between natural and human systems. As well as natural fluctuations in abiotic parameters, anthropogenic disturbances can further modify coastal environments, sometimes even to a greater extent than that expected, and produce changes in the biota different from those derived from natural variability alone (Losi et al, 2013a). On a world-wide scale, the increasing impact of human activities on marine and estuarine environments has attracted attention towards the need for monitoring, assessing and managing ecological integrity to promote the long-term sustainability of these systems (Borja et al, 2008).…”