| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2007 |
| Authors: | F. Boufahja, Beyrem, H., Essid, N., Amorri, J., Mahmoudi, E., Aissa, P. |
| Journal: | Cahiers De Biologie Marine |
| Volume: | 48 |
| Pagination: | 121-137 |
| Keywords: | Bizerte lagoon, body size, diversity, meiobenthic nematodes, respiration rates |
| Abstract: | Analyses of water quality in the Bizerte lagoon showed their relative low oxygenation during September 2002 compared to December 2001. Sediment variables appeared directly dependent on the silt/clay distribution and sewage from the metallurgic factory "El Fouledh". Nematode abundances were negatively influenced by silt/clay, organic matter, metals and chlorophyll a content. The individual nematode body size was clearly related to the distribution of two dominant species, Terschellingia longicaudata (Linhomoeidae) and Paracomesoma dubium (Comesomatidae). Shannon-Wiener diversity index values were the lowest in the South-Western stations characterized by higher level of organic matter and a weaker effect of pollution, in "Baie des carrieres" and "Menzel Jemil" areas. The sediment metals were the key factors controlling the respiration rate of meiobenthic nematodes. |