MARINE MEIOBENTHIC NEMATODE ASSEMBLAGES AS POTENTIAL BIOINDICATORS AND CARBON SEQUESTERS IN COASTAL SEDIMENTSJ.V. Sinu, M.T.P. Miranda and A. Akhila ThomasAbstract Marine environments as carbon sinks play a major role in carbon sequestration and are now under constant threat of pollution from multiple sources. Marine meiobenthic nematodes due to their limited mobility serve as potential bioindicators of environmental conditions. The present paper is focused to assess the marine nematode assemblages and its role in carbon sequestration along with the sedimentological variables in Arthunkal, Kerala, India, during the year 2012-2014. Five stations (I, II, III, IV and V) were selected for the study. Seasonal samples for geo-chemical variables were analysed using standard procedures and marine free living nematodes were collected, identified and carbon sequestration was calculated as per standard methods. CCA plot was computed using PRIMER Vs 6 software. The faunal composition consisted of twelve families and fifteen genera. Of this Sabateria sp. contributed to high percentage of carbon content whereas Tricoma sp. low percentage. From CCA analysis, it was evident that Desmodora sp., Halalaimus sp., Sabatieria sp., Halichoanolaimus sp. and Parodontophora sp. were found to be strongly influenced by clay, organic carbon, total phosphorus, silt and potassium whereas Oxystomina sp., Dorylaimopsis sp. and Tricoma sp. were more related to sand (%). Considering the total carbon sequestered by the nematodes, highest contribution was recorded at station II and lowest at station III. As these marine nematode resources provide valuable ecosystem services, we must protect them by regular bio monitoring programmes to maintain global biodiversity and for climate change mitigation. |