MACROBENTHOS OF INTERTIDAL ZONE OF VERSOVA ALONG THE COAST OF MUMBAI
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Abstract
To assess the biodiversity of macrobenthos in the changing environment
along the coast of Mumbai, the intertidal zone of Versova was identified. The
water quality in this intertidal region was poor with low pH, salinity and
dissolved oxygen, and high nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and ammonia. The
substratum was sandy with 1.29% organic matter in it. Mean faunal density
of 2257 no./m2 was recorded during the study which was mainly contributed
by polychaetes (83.5%) followed by amphipods (14.5%), while other groups
represented were isopods, crabs, hermit crabs, unidentified decapods,
pelecypods and gastropods. Average biomass of 34.83 g/m 2 (93.7%) was
contributed by polychaetes. Shannon and Wiener Index (0.4107) indicated
heavy pollution in the intertidal area of Versova.
Key words: Macrobenthos, intertidal, density, biomass, pollution, Shannon
and Wiener index