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Int. J. Ani. Fish. Sci. 2(2): 170-175, April 2009, website: www.gscience.

net

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON INTERTIDAL MACROBENTHOS OF CHITTAGONG COAST IN BANGLADESH


M. BELAL HOSSAIN1* and MD. M. MARUF HOSSAIN2
ABSTRACT Occurrence and abundance of macrobenthos in four sites (Parki beach, South Kattoly, Sitacundu and Barubkundo) along Chittagong coast in Bangladesh during August to September, 2008. The faunal composition and density of macrobenthos (Ind. /m2) at nine stations of each site was recorded. Among the four sites minimum density (0 Ind. /m2) was observed in station-2 of Sitacundu coast and maximum (6402.78 Ind. /m2) in station-7 of South Kattoly. Polychaeta, Amphipoda, Bivalve and crabs were observed at all four sites, Gastropoda at three sites and Sipuncula, Oligochaeta at two sites. Shrimp and Isopoda was observed only at South Kattoly coast while Hirudina and mudfish was observed at Barubcundo coast. Amphipoda were the most abundant (45% and 31% of total macrobenthos respectively) at Parki beach and Barubkundo coast. In South Kattoly and Sitacundu coast Bivalve were most abundant constituting 56% and 48% of total macrobenthos of that site. It was observed that South Kattoly was most abundant with macrobenthos which may be due to the high organic content in the sediment.

Keywords: Macrobenthos, Intertidal zone and Chittagong coast.

INTRODUCTION The intertidal zone accommodate most of the macro benthic species and provide valuable feeding areas for large crustaceans, birds and fish (Herman et al., 1999). On an intertidal flat, the benthic macrofauna community is mainly structured by environmental variables (Menge and Olson, 1990). Macrobenthic invertebrate communities are used as prime indicators of environmental conditions within a system because: (a) they have limited mobility and thus are unable to avoid adverse conditions (b) they live in sediments where they are exposed to environmental stressors, such as chemical contaminants and low dissolved oxygen levels (c) their life spans are long enough to reflect the effects of environmental stressors and (d) their communities are taxonomically diverse enough to respond to multiple types of stress (Warwick et al., 1991). The abundance of macrobenthic organism is governed by productivity of surface water and by water depth. Number of organisms decreases steadily with increasing water depth and distance from land. Benthic organisms within estuarine and marine near shore ecosystem are sensitive to environmental gradients and may serve as indicators of changes occurring in the coastal ocean (Warwick and Clarke, 1993). These organisms may have life spans ranging from days to seasons or years, and they frequently occur in large numbers, thus providing an attractive baseline for statistical analyses. So a need is being increasingly felt to gather more basic data on the structure of animal community in unpolluted coastal waters and on the range of natural variation within these communities so that the baselines can be set, against which changes due to pollution and over exploitation may be assessed. Interest in the use of changes in macrobenthic community structure as an indicator of pollution is evidenced by some macrobenthic surveys from the different parts of the world (McLusky, 1989). To understand and develop demersal fisheries knowledge of macrobenthos is imperative (Harakanta and Parulekar, 1994). On the basis of benthic production stock of demersal fisheries can be estimated. But unfortunately, in comparison with other biological component (e.g. Phytoplankton, Zooplankton) macrobenthos received very lower attention to the previous researchers of Bangladesh. So by considering the knowledge gap and importance of macrobenthos the present investigation was undertaken to set a baseline data on the occurrence and abundance of macrobenthos in four sites (Parki Beach, South Kattoly coast, Sitacundu coast and Barubcundo coast) along the Chittagong coast of Bangladesh.
1 Lecturer, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali-3802, Bangladesh, 2IMSF, University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh *Corresponding Email:belalhosain@yahoo.com

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MATERIALS AND METHODS Study area and duration: The whole coast was divided into four sites namely Parki beach (A), South Kattoly coast (B), Sitacundu coast (C) and Barubkundo coast (D) Chittagong coast in Bangladesh. Samples were collected from the four stations during August to September, 2008. Sampling design: Three (3) transects (1000m X 500m) apart were set at Mean High Water Mark (MHWM), Mean Tide Mark (MTM) and Low Tide Mark ( LTM) from each site perpendicular to the shore. From each transect, three stations were set at MHWM namely St-1, St-2, St-3 at MTM namely St-4, St-5, St-6 and at LTM namely St-7, St-8, St-9. So there were nine stations from each site. Sample Collection and processing: Samples were collected by using a mud corer. The collected samples were washed through a 0.5 mm mesh hand sieve with filtered water at collection point to separate animals from the sediment. The materials retained on the sieve were taken in plastic vials and labeled, to which 70% alcohol were added for killing and fixing the organism. Qualitative analysis: Rose Bengal was added to the vials which help in sorting the organisms from debris. The materials were poured into a round transparent glass dish (dia 15 cm and depth 2 cm), magnifying glass and microscope were used in necessity. Then the organisms were preserved in 75% ethyl alcohol for identification and future record. Identification was made to the lowest possible taxonomic level following the works of Gosner (1971), Sterrer (1986), Ahmed (1990), Rao et al. (1995) and Misra (1995). Density measurement: Total count of specimens of the same groups was determined and the results were converted into number per square meter by unitary method. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The faunal composition, density of macrobenthos (Ind. /m2) at nine stations of each site was recorded (Fig. 1 to fig. 12). In Parki beach minimum population density (13.89 Ind. /m2) was observed in ASt-3 and maximum population density (375.0 Ind. /m2) was observed in ASt-7. In South Kattoly coast minimum population density (1013.89 Ind/m2) in BSt-2 and maximum population density (6402.78 Ind/m2) was observed in BSt-7. In Sitacundo coast population density was zero in CSt-2 and maximum (1055.56 Ind/m2) in CSt-1. Lastly in Barubkundo coast minimum density (69.44 Ind/m2) was observed in DSt-9 and maximum (694.44 Ind/m2) in DSt-4. Among the four sites minimum macrobenthos density (0 Ind. /m2) was observed in station-2 of Sitacundu coast and maximum (6402.78 Ind. /m2) in station-7 of South Kattoly. The minimum density may be due to the pollution from ship breaking industry near this coast. The maximum abundance may be due to discharge of considerable amount of nutrients in to this zone from neighbouring channels. This finding agrees with Schoch (2001) who stated that production in some intertidal communities may be regulated by the delivery of nutrients from the ocean or by nutrients delivered from nearby rivers and estuaries. Alam (1993) reported that density of macrobenthic fauna varied from 40-4960 Ind /m2 in Halishar coast, Chittagong. Belaluzzaman (1995) showed that the density was varied from 80-1226304 ind/m2 in sandy beach and in the muddy shore it was 29992-57568 Ind/m2 of Coxs Bazar coastal area. Devi et al. (1996) found the population density Ind/m2 was varied between 20 and 936000 in the South West coast of India. In Parki beach and South Kattoly coast macrobenthos density was maximum in LTM while minimum density was observed in MHTM. Reverse condition was observed in Sitacundu coast and no considerable variation was observed in Barubkundo coast. Degraer et al. (1999) reported that the high intertidal species association was restricted in its intertidal distribution between the mean tidal and the mean high-water spring level, whereas the low intertidal species association was found from the mean tidal level to the subtidal.Polychaeta, Amphipoda, Bivalve and crabs were observed at all four sites, Gastropoda at three sites and Sipuncula, Oligochaeta at two sites. Shrimp and Isopoda was observed at South Kattoly coast while Hirudina and mudfish was observed at Barubcundo coast (Fig. 13 to fig. 16). Alam (1993) identified 71 species/taxa from the Halishar coastal area. Major groups were polychaeta, 171

60 In d ./m 2 40 20 0
ASt-1 ASt-2 ASt-3

300 250 200 150 100 50 0


ASt-4 ASt-5 ASt-6

In d ./m 2

Station
Fig 1: Parki beach macrobenthos in MHTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 2: Parki beach macrobenthos in MTM Ind./m 2

Fig 1. Parki beach macrobenthos in MHTM Ind/m2.


400 In d./m 2

Fig. 2. Parki beach macrobenthos in MTM Ind/m2.


2000 Ind./m 2 1500 1000 500 0
BSt-1 BSt-2 BSt-3

300 200 100 0


ASt-7 ASt-8 ASt-9

Station
Fig 3: Parki beach macrobenthos in LTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 4: South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind./m 2

Fig. 3. Parki beach macrobenthos in LTM Ind/m.2

Fig. 4. South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind/m.2


8000 Ind./m 2 6000 4000 2000 0
BSt-7 BSt-8 BSt-9

4000 Ind./m 2 3000 2000 1000 0


BSt-4 BSt-5 BSt-6

Station
Fig 5: South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in MTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 6: South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in LTM Ind./m 2

Fig. 5. South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in MTM Fig. 6. South Kattoly coast macrobenthos in LTM Ind/m.2 Ind/m.2 gastropoda, bivalvia, decapoda and insecta. Belaluzzaman (1995) made another detail investigation on the ecology of the intertidal macrobenthic fauna in Coxs Bazar coastal area. In his research work he recorded 105 species/taxa from the sandy beach of Coxs Bazar and 148 species/taxa from the muddy beach of Baakkhali estuary. Foraminifera, Polychaeta, gastropoda, bivalvia, isopoda, amphipoda, and cladocera were the major groups. A preliminary and brief account on macrobenthos of Meghna river estuary was given by Sharif (2002). Gastropoda, polychaeta, oligochaeta, insecta, crustacea and copepoda were the major groups of his record. Amphipoda were the most abundant (45% and 31% of total macrobenthos respectively) at Parki beach and Barubkundo coast. According to Fernandes and Gomes (2006) crustaceans were dominant at Costa Azul Beach that was exposed to more wave action. In South Kattoly and Sitacundu coast Bivalve were most abundant constituting 56% and 48% of total macrobenthos of that site respectively. Xinzheng et al. (2007) reported 38 species of mollusca, 36 172

species of polychaeta and 18 species of crustacea from 9 stations in Nugukou, Hongshiya and Xindao around the Jiaozhou Bay.
1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0
CSt-1 CSt-2 CSt-3

800 600 In d ./m 2 400 200 0


CSt-4 CSt-5 CSt-6

Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 7: Sitacundu coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 8: Sitacundu coast macrobenthos in MTM Ind./m 2

Fig. 7. Sitacundu coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind/m.2


300 Ind./m 2

Fig. 8. Sitacundu coast macrobenthos in MTM Ind/m.2


800 Ind./m 2 600 400 200 0
DSt-1 DSt-2 DSt-3

200 100 0
CSt-7 CSt-8 CSt-9

Station
Fig 9: Sitacundu coast m acrobenthos in LTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 10: Barubcundo coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind./m 2

Fig 9. Sitacundu coast macrobenthos in LTM Ind/m.2


800 Ind./m 2

Fig. 10. Barubcundo coast macrobenthos in MHTM Ind/m.2


800 Ind./m 2 600 400 200 0
DSt-7 DSt-8 DSt-9

600 400 200 0


DSt-4 DSt-5 DSt-6

Station
Fig 11: Barubcundo coast macrobenthos in MTM Ind./m 2

Station
Fig 12: Barubcundo coast m acrobenthos in LTM Ind./m 2

Fig 11. Barubcundo coast macrobenthos in MTM Ind/m.2

Fig. 12. Barubcundo coast macrobenthos in LTM Ind/m.2

Polychaeta were minimum (41.67 Ind. /m2) at Parki beach and maximum (600.31 individual/m2) at South Kattoly coast. Amphipoda were minimum (27.78 Ind. /m2) at South Kattoly coast and maximum (188.27 Ind. /m2) at Barubkundo coast. Bivalve was also observed at all four sites. Minimum density was (27.78 Ind. /m2) was observed at Parki beach while maximum (1541.66 Ind. /m2) at south Kattoly coast. Crab was minimum (27.78 Ind. /m2) at Sitacundu and maximum (105.16 Ind. /m2) at South Kattoly. Gastropoda was abundant in 3 sites with minimum density at Parki beach and South Kattoly coast and maximum (20.84 Ind. /m2) at Barubkundo. Sipuncula was minimum (58.33 Ind. /m2) in Sitacundu and maximum (197.78 Ind. /m2) at South Kattoly. Oligochaeta was minimum (20.84 Ind. /m2) in Parki Beach and maximum (97.22 Ind. /m2) in South Kattoly. Ray (2004) stated that dominant infauna in Sandy Hook Bay and Southern Raritan Bay included softshell clams, gem calms, a variety of euryhaline soft-sediment polychaetes and amphipods.

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Gastropoda, 13.89 (0%)

Polychaeta, 600.31 (22% Oligochaeta, 97.22 (3%)

Bivalve, 27.78 (11%)

Gastropoda, 13.89 (5%)

Polychaeta, 41.67 (16%)

Bivalve, 1541.66 (56%)

Oligochaeta, 20.84 (8%)

Sipuncula, 197 (7%)

Crab, 105.16 (4%)

Amphipoda, 116.32 (45%)

Crab, 39.68 (15%)

Other (Arthropoda) 208.33 (7%)

Amphipoda, 27.78 (1%) Isopoda, 13.89 (0%)

Shrimp, 13.89 (0%)

Fig 13: Density (Ind./m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of nine station of Parki beach.

Fig 14: Density (Ind. /m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of South Kattoly coast.

Fig. 13. Density (Ind./m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of nine station of Parki beach.
Unindentified (Mollusca) 27.78 (4%)

Fig. 14. Density (Ind./m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of South Kattoly beach.
Gastropoda, 20.84 (3%) Bivalve, 182.1 (30%) Unidentified (mollusca), 23.15 Polychaeta, (4%) 64.24 (11%)

Polychaeta, 138.89 (21%)

Others(Annelida) 39.35 (6%) Hirudina , 13.89 (2%)

Sipuncula, 58.33 (9%)

Mudfish, 18.52 (3%)

Crab, 46.3 (8%)


Bivalve, 313.83 (48%) Amphipoda, 55.56 (8%)
2

Others(Annelida), 41.67(6%) Crab, 27.78 (4%)

Unidentified (Arthropods), 13.89 (2%)

Amphipoda, 188.27 (31%)

Fig 15: Density (Ind./m ) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of Sitacundu coast.

Fig 16: Density (Ind./m ) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of Barubkundo coast

Fig. 15. Density (Ind./m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos sitacundu coast.

Fig. 16. Density (Ind./m2) and percentage composition of macrobenthos of Barubakundo coast.

In conclusion it can be said that macrobenthos was most abundant in south Kattoly with bivalve (Mollusca) being the most dominant followed by Polychaeta and other arthropods. Further investigation should be carried out on the biodiversity of macrobenthos along the Chittagong coast. REFERENCES
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