Abstract:
Samples of benthos and sediment collected at Semerak and Dendong aquaculture
area were used to study the density and diversity of benthos and the alteration in species
composition. Physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, salinity, dissolved
oxygen and pH also were recorded. From the study, total density of benthos inhabited
Semerak ranged between 202.29 individual/m
2
to 1262.08 individual/m
2
• Almost all
stations were dominated by Annelida. Recorded indices were, Richness index, d =0.8548-
1.5465, Evenness index, J' =0.5636-0.8325 and Diversity index, H' =1.1829-1.842.
Macrobenthos community at Dendong on the other hand ranged between 28.57
individual/m
2
to 188.82 individual/m
2
. The reference station showed higher value of total
density and was dominated by Arthropoda. However the diversity was lower than
impacted stations. Recorded indices were, d =0.6730-1.043, J' =0.2575-0.6855 and H'
=0.4024-0.6171. The total density of meiobenthos showed higher density at reference
station and totally dominated by Nematode.
