N. Dhainaut-courtois et al., Macrobenthic communities as indicators of physical and chemical characteristics of harbour sediment, B S ZOOL FR, 125(1), 2000, pp. 49-62
In order to estimate physical and chemical characteristics and macrobenthic
communities of the harbour of Boulogne-sur-Mer, bottom sediment and benthi
c macrofauna were sampled in subtidal areas. Environmental chemical paramet
ers (metals, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous) were determined and
granular characteristics analysed. Among the 63 species collected, the more
abundant species were the mollusc Abra alba, in the main channel of the ha
rbour, and the polychaete worm Capitella capitata, in more confined basins.
Moreover, some areas of these basins were completely azoic. The very high
metal pollution, organic matter enrichment, dredging activity and confineme
nt in some areas are liable for important damages and modifications in the
macrobenthic assemblages.