IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr. Devdatta Lad; Dr. Shashikant Patil

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2017

ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION STATUS THROUGH THE DIVERSITY OF INTERTIDAL MACROBENTHOS OF THE ESTUARY OF BHAYANDER AND NAIGAON, THANE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Dr. Devdatta Lad, Dr. Shashikant Patil

Abstract :

Benthos due to their differential tolerance has been considered as the best indicator organisms of environmental stress or aquatic pollution. The present investigation was undertaken from May 2008 to June 2009 with the objective of understanding the pollution status of Bhayander and Naigaon estuary based on the diversity of intertidal Macrobenthos. In the present study 25 species of Macrobenthos belonging to 4 Phylum’s have been identified at both the Station No.1 Bhayander and Station No.2 Naigaon. The mean Shannon Wiener Diversity Index for Macrobenthos for Station No 1. Bhayander and Station No. 2 Naigaon was 3.15 ± 0.03 and 3.20 ± 0.02 respectively. The mean Margalef Species Diversity Index for Macrobenthos for Station No. 1 Bhayander and Station No. 2 Naigaon was 2.50 ± 0.03 and 2.51 ± 0.03 respectively. The present study on benthos has revealed that at both the Station No. 1 Bhayander and Station No. 2 Naigaon there is slight or moderate pollution according to Staub et. al. (1970) scale of pollution in terms of Shannon’s species diversity index and Margalef species diversity index for Macrobenthos.