Evaluation of zoobenthic assemblages and recovery following petroleum spill in a coastal area of Río de la Plata estuarine system, South America.

OCÓN, C. S.; RODRIGUES CAPÍTULO A; PAGGI AC,

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

ELSEVIER- Editorial System

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2008 vol. 156 p. 82 - 89

0269-7491

The objective of this work was to analyse zoobenthic assemblages in the coastal sector of the Rı´o de La Plata, Argentina, after a petroleumspill. Sampling stations were located in representative sites of various landscapes. Structure, composition, physico-chemical parameters and seasonalchanges were recorded in order to assess taxocenosis evolution during the period 1999e2003. Recovery signs were estimated by means ofbiotic indices and the presence of sensitive species. Tolerant species were dominant in heavily polluted sites, with low diversity and water qualityvalues, according to the biotic indices used. In certain zones, sediment quality remains impoverished, with a visible oil film on the surface. However,during the last sampling, some points showed an increase in biotic indices, pointing to a slight improvement in environmental conditions. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Keywords: Petroleum spill; Zoobenthic macroinvertebrates; Biotic indices; Rı´o de la Plata estuary; South America