In Kerala, no scientific research has been done to assess the impact of multiple anthropogenic stressors which is rampant along the southern coast. This thesis explores the kinetics of macroinvertebrates at three anthropogenically disturbed regions, along the coast of Kerala. A near- pristine site, which is supposed to serve as a control, was also included in the present study. A correlation of the spatio-temporal dispensation of the communities with environmental parameters has been attempted. Inventorizing the benthic invertebrate assemblages at the sites exposed to differing pollution load (both in quantity) has revealed some alarming observations which need to be addressed immediately. The study has also brought about the efficacy of biomonitoring coastal ecosystems using benthic assemblages.
The study highlights the strong deterministic nature of zoobenthic community and its ability to resist varying anthropogenic disturbances, while identifying new sentinel organisms. Investigating the temporal and spatial parameters of benthic macroinvertebrates and its impacts on trophic levels, determine the fate of energy and nutrient flow into the coastal waters. Estimating secondary production of major taxonomic groups and their value in the food chain, characterizes trophic dynamics within the system.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- GENERAL INTRODUCTION
- Chapter I STUDY AREA AND SAMPLING DESIGN
- 1.1 Study sites
- 1.2 Duration of the study
- 1.3 Sampling Design
- Chapter II HYDROLOGY
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Review of Literature
- 2.3 Materials and Methods
- 2.4 Statistical Analysis
- 2.5 Results
- 2.6 Discussion
- Chapter III SEDIMENTOLOGY
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Review of Literature
- 3.3 Material and Methods
- 3.4 Statistical Analysis
- 3.5 Results
- 3.6 Discussion
- Chapter IV HEAVY METALS
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Review of Literature
- 4.3 Material and Methods
- 4.4 Statistical Analysis
- 4.5 Results
- 4.6 Discussion
- Chapter V POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs)
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Review of Literature
- 5.3 Materials and Methods
- 5.4 Statistical Analysis
- 5.5 Results
- 5.6 Discussion
- Chapter VI MACROBENTHIC INVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Review of Literature
- 6.3 Materials and Methods
- 6.4 Statistical Analysis
- 6.5 Results
- 6.6 Discussion
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the impact of anthropogenic stressors on marine benthic ecosystems, specifically focusing on macrobenthic invertebrate assemblages along the southern coast of Kerala, India. The study aims to understand how various stressors, including hydrological variations, sedimentological characteristics, heavy metal contamination, and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution, influence the structure and functioning of these communities.
- Impacts of anthropogenic stressors on marine benthos
- Influence of hydrological variations on benthic communities
- Relationship between sedimentological characteristics and benthic assemblages
- Heavy metal contamination and its effects on benthic invertebrates
- Impact of PAH pollution on macrobenthic communities
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The research is organized into chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of the study. Chapter I provides an overview of the study area and sampling design, detailing the chosen locations, duration of the study, and sampling methods. Chapter II focuses on the hydrological characteristics of the study sites, exploring the influence of water quality parameters on benthic communities. Chapter III delves into the sedimentological analysis of the study area, investigating the relationship between sediment composition and benthic assemblages. Chapter IV explores the levels of heavy metal contamination in the study area and its potential effects on benthic invertebrates. Chapter V examines the occurrence of PAHs in the study area and its potential impact on macrobenthic communities.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus topics of this research are: marine benthos, anthropogenic stressors, macrobenthic invertebrates, Kerala coast, India, hydrology, sedimentology, heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ecological impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do anthropogenic stressors affect marine benthos?
Human activities like pollution and industrial waste alter water quality and sediment composition, which can lead to a decline in biodiversity and changes in the community structure of benthic organisms.
What are "macrobenthic invertebrate assemblages"?
These are small animals without backbones, such as worms, mollusks, and crustaceans, that live on or in the sea floor. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health.
What specific pollutants were studied on the Kerala coast?
The research focused on heavy metal contamination and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), analyzing their presence in the water and sediments of anthropogenically disturbed regions.
Why is biomonitoring using benthos effective?
Benthic organisms are relatively sedentary and cannot easily escape pollution. Therefore, their health and population density directly reflect the long-term environmental conditions of a specific site.
What is the impact of these stressors on the food chain?
Changes in benthic communities affect secondary production and nutrient flow, which can disrupt the entire coastal food web, including fish populations that rely on these invertebrates for food.
- Quote paper
- Mary Miranda (Author), 2017, Impact of Anthropogenic Stressors on Marine Benthos, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/437900
