title: Variation in macrofaunal communities of sea grass beds along a pollution gradient in Bolinao, northwestern Philippines.
abstract: This study examined the variation of macrofaunal communities in sea grass beds along a pollution gradient in Bolinao, northwestern Philippines. We established four stations and compared the diversity and abundance of macrofauna between them. The Shannon diversity index in the least polluted station was more than twice higher than that in the most polluted one. Abundance was more than thrice higher in the most polluted station. The species composition generally varied, with community difference explained largely by the predominance of the filter-feeding bivalve Gafrarium pectinatum and polychaete Capitella capitata. Species heterogeneity was reduced along the pollution gradient by approximately 19% from the least polluted to the most polluted station. This reduction indicates biodiversity alteration, which has a significant impact on ecosystem functioning. Aspects of species heterogeneity should be considered in environmental impact assessments and the management of coastal areas encountered with anthropogenic disturbances.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Aikappu, Akkeshi, Hokkaido 088-1113, Japan. Electronic address: venus.leopardas@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Venus
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Leopardas
authors.affiliation: Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Aikappu, Akkeshi, Hokkaido 088-1113, Japan.
authors.forename: Kentaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Honda
authors.affiliation: University of the Philippines, The Marine Science Institute, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines.
authors.forename: Gay Amabelle
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Go
authors.affiliation: University of the Philippines, The Marine Science Institute, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines.
authors.forename: Klenthon
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bolisay
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fisheries Research and Development, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental 9023, Philippines.
authors.forename: Allyn Duvin
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Pantallano
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fisheries Research and Development, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental 9023, Philippines.
authors.forename: Wilfredo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Uy
authors.affiliation: University of the Philippines, The Marine Science Institute, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fortes
authors.affiliation: Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Aikappu, Akkeshi, Hokkaido 088-1113, Japan.
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakaoka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D044822:Biodiversity; D049872:Bivalvia; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D010679:Philippines; D006109:Poaceae; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Abundance; Macrobenthos; Mariculture-induced pollution; Philippines; Sea grass bed; Species diversity