Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the estuarine nematode assemblages and their relationship with benthic bacteria communities
Vieira, S.; Pessoa, I.; Ferreira, B.; Vicente, C.S.L.; Adão, H. (2025). Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the estuarine nematode assemblages and their relationship with benthic bacteria communities. Est. Coast. 48(5): 1-16. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12237-025-01578-1
In: Estuaries and Coasts. Estuarine Research Federation: Port Republic, Md.. ISSN 1559-2723; e-ISSN 1559-2731, meer
|   |
| Auteurs | | Top |
- Vieira, S.
- Pessoa, I.
- Ferreira, B.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
Benthic nematodes and bacteria are highly sensitive to habitat conditions being considered valuable ecological indicators. Previous studies have shown that nematode assemblages are more sensitive to site-specific conditions than benthic bacterial communities, highlighting the spatial diversity of the distribution patterns for both communities. Still, the effect of the temporal changes on the communities’ composition distribution patterns in the sediment habitat conditions remains unknown, which raised the following scientific question: How do temporal changes in sediment habitat conditions influence the composition and distribution patterns of both communities? This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution patterns (diversity/abundance) of nematode assemblages at Sado estuary during four sampling occasions. In addition, a comparison with the distribution patterns of bacteria communities, performed previously in the same conditions, is also provided. We hypothesize that: (1) the nematode assemblages present different distribution patterns between sites and across sampling occasions; and (2) both communities are affected differently to site-specific conditions. Two-factor PERMANOVA revealed distinct assemblages’ composition driven by the interaction between “site” and “sampling occasion” (pseudo-F = 2.66, p = 0.0003, df = 6, n = 108) reflecting specific sediment conditions. The spatial responses of both nematode and bacteria communities were similar, strongly influenced by the sediment biogeochemistry and primary production (nematode: pseudo-F = 4.18, p = 0.0001, n = 108; bacteria: pseudo-F = 10.83, p = 0.0003, n = 36). Unlike bacterial communities (p > 0.26), nematode assemblages showed temporal responses across sites, which suggests nematodes are more susceptible to short-term changes. The complementary responses of both nematode and bacterial communities proved to be essential tools to assess the estuarine ecosystem dynamics and integrity. |
|
