Effect of high organic enrichment of benthic polychaete population in an estuary

Abstract

The benthic polychaete fauna of an estuarine region receiving domestic sewage and wastes from a nearby fish landing jetty was compared to that of a site having normal organic enrichment. The population density, biomass and species diversity were greater at the sewage receiving site. Some species showed preference for sewage site and their number was significantly greater at the sewage sitewhile other species showed no differences. Total counts and the biomass were significantly higher at the site of organic enrichment. A quantitatively enhanced polychaete population indicates that input of high organic matter stimulate benthic productivity