Journal of Environmental Biology

Benthic polychaetes in the Ratnagiri bay, India : Influence

of anthropogenic factors

Author Details

Soniya Sukumaran

(Corresponding author)

Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India

e-mail: soniya@nio.org

Kanchan Bhokepode

Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India

Madhavi Telavane

Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India

Priti Kubal

Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India

S.N. Gajbhiye

Regional Centre, National Institute of Oceanography, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India

Publication Data

Paper received:

27 April 2010

Revised received:

21 September 2010

Accepted:

20 November 2010

Abstract

Study of changes in macrobenthic community structure is an intrinsic part of many environmental monitoring programmes. Hence, it is pivotal to distinguish the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on these sensitive organisms for accurate assessment and management of coastal environment. Polychaete species diversity of five stations in the Ratnagiri bay was investigated during premonsoon and postmonsoon months in 2007. Though no spatial trends in polychaete diversity vis-?-vis the pollution was visible, the polychaete univariate indices were uniformily better in premonsoon indicating clear seasonal trends. Shannon diversity values ranged from 1.4-2.4 during premonsoon and 0.6-1.6 during postmonsoon. Station 5, which was most impacted by anthropogenic wastes as demonstrated by the anoxic conditions coupled with higher nutrient load, had comparatively higher H? ?values (1.9 and 1.6) and better evenness values (0.9 and 0.7) during both seasons indicating that the polychaetes were not influenced by anthropogenic contamination. The study indicates that the polychaete distribution and diversity in the bay were governed primarily by variations in sediment texture rather than the anthropogenic disturbances. ??

Key words

Polychaete, Sediment, Anthropogenic factors, Macrobenthic community

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