Spatio temporal variation in octocoral assemblages along a water quality gradient in the northwestern region of Cuba

Néstor Rey-Villiers, Alberto Sánchez, Hansel Caballero-Aragón, Patricia González-Díaz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rivers are the main sources of nutrients to coastal zones. Therefore, the effects of water quality degradation on octocoral assemblages and their relationship with microbiological and physical-chemical variables were determined in reefs close to river basins in the northwestern region of Cuba. The evaluations were carried out in 1 m2 frames at a depth of 10 m in 13 fore reefs. The highest concentrations of the microbiological variables and hydrochemicals and the lowest horizontal visibility in the water column were detected in the reefs near the river basins. The lowest richness, diversity and octocoral density were related to higher concentrations of fecal coliform, total coliform and fecal streptococcal bacteria, sediment accumulation on the bottom and lower visibility. The structure of the octocoral assemblages varied significantly between reefs due to fecal organic pollution. Water quality deterioration in the reefs near the river basins has negatively affected the octocoral assemblages.

Original languageEnglish
Article number110981
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume153
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cuba
  • Fecal organic pollution
  • Nutrient enrichment
  • Octocoral assemblages
  • Visibility

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