Benthic meiofaunal distribution and diversity in Uppanar and Vellar estuaries, Southeast coast of India

In the present study, the ecological health conditions of Uppanar and Vellar estuaries and coastal waters was studied by using meiofaunal as a veritable tool. A total of 39 meio-benthic species belonging to four meiofaunal taxa foraminifera, nematodes, ostracodes and harpacticoids were recorded with maximum density of meiofauna (296Nos/10cm3) in Vellar estuary. Among the four meiofaunal taxa, nematodes topped the list with 18 species followed by foraminiferans (14 species), ostracodes (4 species) and harpacticoids (3 species). Comparing different estuaries stations, the maximum number of meio-faunal species (29 species) was recorded in Vellar estuary during summer and minimum (18 species) in Uppanar estuary during monsoon. The maximum meiofauna species diversity was recorded (H’) 3.743 at Vellar coastal stations, similarly the maximum species richness (d) 6.879 was recorded at Uppanar estuarine stations and maximum species evenness (J') 0.957 was recorded at Vellar estuary stations. The results of present study helps to develop an understanding on the meiofaunal distribution based on physico-chemical parameters, which will form a reliable tool in bio-monitoring studies.