Macrobenthos Diversity Assessment in the Delta Wetlands, Egypt | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 60, Volume 29, Issue 4, July and August 2025, Page 1061-1082 PDF (460.81 K) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.442684 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
| Elsayed Nafea | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Macrobenthos serve as ecological pointers for pollution, as well as indicators of sediment and water quality in marine and sub-marine ecosystems. The primary aim of this study was to shed light on macrobenthic diversity in relation to water and sediment quality in the North Delta wetlands of Egypt (Manzala, Burullus, and Idku). A total of 45 sampling spots were selected—15 at each site—to examine the physicochemical characteristics of water and sediment, along with macrobenthos diversity. Twenty-eight species of the benthic fauna were recorded in the sediments of the North Delta wetlands during 2023 and 2024. Among these, 21 species belong to Gastropoda, 3 to Bivalvia, 2 to Amphipoda, and one species each to Insecta and Cirripedia. Twenty-eight species were identified in both Manzala and Burullus, while only 25 species were recorded in Idku. Six species were not found in the sediments of Idku: Helisoma duryi, Physa acuta, Macoma bathica, Pisidium pirothi, Valvata nilotica, and Vanthina nitens. It was generally observed that the majority of mollusks were distributed as empty shells across the wetland bottoms. The benthic fauna can be effectively used as bioindicators of pollution and habitat type. For instance, Tendipes tentans may serve as an indicator of oxygen depletion, while Nereis succinea and Gammarus lacustris may indicate the presence of fine sediment deposition. Notably, two species of benthic fauna—Pila ovata and Pila wernei—were recorded for the first time in the northern wetlands. This research contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports sustainable management of wetland ecosystems. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Wetlands; Macrobenthos; Biodiversity; Bioindicators; Conservation; Management | ||||
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