Response of estuarine meiofauna assemblage to effects of fertilizer enrichment used in the sugar cane monoculture. Pernambuco, Brazil

Authors

  • Paulo J. P. Santos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Mônica L. Botter-Carvalho Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Ananias B. do Nascimento-Júnior Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Raquel G. C. Marinho Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
  • Paulo V. V. C. Carvalho Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento
  • Ana P. M. C. Valença Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87592009000100005

Keywords:

Estuarine Meiobenthos, Eutrophication, Sugar cane, In situ experiment

Abstract

In situ application of inorganic fertilizer was used to simulate environmental eutrophication associated with the sugar cane monoculture. Meiofauna community structure is herein used to assess this experimental impact. Nine quadrangular areas (4m² each) were randomly defined in the midlittoral estuarine area. Three of these areas received a high dose of sugar cane fertilizer (375 g/m² Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium), three areas received a low dose of the fertilizer (187.5 g/m²) and the other three areas represented the control. The fertilizer was applied every week. Environmental parameters and meiofauna were sampled using three-to-four week intervals. Six samplings were subsequently performed maintaining this interval. Meiofauna was counted and identified to major taxonomic groups. Meiofauna community structure varied throughout the experimental areas. Control areas maintained their abundance values during the study period, but within the enriched areas meiofauna abundance decreased greatly. MDS and ANOSIM analysis showed significant variation in the meiofauna community structure among experimental areas and also along the experimental period in the enriched areas.

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Published

2009-03-01

Issue

Section

naodefinida

How to Cite

Response of estuarine meiofauna assemblage to effects of fertilizer enrichment used in the sugar cane monoculture. Pernambuco, Brazil. (2009). Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 57(1), 43-55. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87592009000100005