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AMBI indices and multivariate approach to assess the ecological health of Vellar-Coleroon estuarine system undergoing various human activities.

Authors :
Sigamani S
Perumal M
Arumugam S
Preetha Mini Jose HM
Veeraiyan B
Source :
Marine pollution bulletin [Mar Pollut Bull] 2015 Nov 15; Vol. 100 (1), pp. 334-343. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Aug 29.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Estuaries receive a considerable amount of pollutants from various sources. Presently an attempt has been made to assess whether the aquaculture discharges and dredging activities alter the ecological conditions of Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) established a framework for the protection of marine waters. In this commission, a variety of indices were used, among them, AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index) indices along with multivariate statistical approach is unique, to assess the ecological status by using macrobenthic communities. Keeping this in view, stations VE-1 and VE-4 in Vellar; CE-6 and CE-7 in Coleroon estuaries showed moderately disturbed with the AMBI values ranging between 3.45 and 3.72. The above said stations were situated near the shrimp farm discharge point and sites of dredging activities. The present study proves that various statistical and biotic indices have great potential in assessing the nature of the ecosystem undergoing various human pressures.<br /> (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-3363
Volume :
100
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Marine pollution bulletin
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26323865
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.028