An approach based on M-AMBI for assessing benthic ecological status of a broad intertidal zone: A case study in the Jiangsu intertidal zone, China. Issue 1 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Qiaochu; Zou, Xinqing; Zhang, Hu; Yu, Wenwen; Zang, Zheng; Wang, Chenglong
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 116:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: M-AMBI -- Benthic ecological status -- Quality assessment -- Jiangsu coastal area; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.12.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Intensive anthropogenic activities have a serious negative effect on the Jiangsu coastal area of China, especially on the distinctive intertidal zone. Humans are trying to eliminate this effect by taking protection and eco-compensation measures. However, when trying to determine the ecological status and quantify the anthropogenic impact for this area, the complex relationship between ecosystems and environmental stress leads to difficulties in reflecting general environmental quality. This study assessed the benthic ecological status of 10 transects (three stations/transect) across six different typologies over six years (2007, 2009–2013) in the Jiangsu intertidal zone. A unitary assessment of each transect was conducted using the multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index (M-AMBI), along with a radar chart (and its parameters). In the Jiangsu intertidal zone, the ecological status was noted as good or moderate at most sampling stations. Among the six assessed years, 2010 had the highest ecological status, while 2007 had the lowest. As for transects, transect 1 had the highest ratings, and transect 3 had the lowest ratings. Various stresses and advantageous human intervention and contributed to the ecological status for the different areas. The M-AMBI could be used in the future as a suitable index to assess the benthic ecological status of the Jiangsu intertidal zone. In addition, the new unitary method validated in this study could be used to assess ecosystems with several small biotopes, while accurately reflecting environmental quality. Highlights: Benthic ecological status across six typologies and six assessed years Unitary assessment using a multivariate indice (M-AMBI) and radar chart parameters Ecological status was generally noted as good or moderate for the intertidal zone. Various anthropogenic stresses and advantageous human intervention affected ecological status.