The amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of human trampling on sandy beaches.
The present paper assesses the use of the supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of the effects of human trampling on the supralittoral sandy band. Samplings in delimited areas were carried out at sites subjected to different human impact. The results showed a strong negative correlation between the number of swimmers and the sandhopper population density, while there was no clear relationship between sandhopper abundance and the other factors considered: granulometry, compactness and organic carbon content of the sand, and trace metal contents in the sand and sandhoppers. A field test of trampling conducted in a confined space showed its direct negative effect on sandhopper survival. However, trace metal analysis confirmed the ability of T. saltator to bioaccumulate some elements (Hg, Zn, Cu, Cd). Our study demonstrates that T. saltator is a good bioindicator of human impact in the supralittoral zone of sandy shores.
Ugolini
Alberto
A
Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e Genetica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy. ugolini_alb@dbag.unifi.it
Ungherese
Giuseppe
G
Somigli
Silvia
S
Galanti
Giuditta
G
Baroni
Davide
D
Borghini
Francesca
F
Cipriani
Nicola
N
Nebbiai
Massimo
M
Passaponti
Maurizio
M
Focardi
Silvano
S
D033304:Amphipoda / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D017753:Ecosystem; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D010316:Particle Size; D011156:Population Density; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016138:Walking
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D002244:Carbon; D012822:Silicon Dioxide