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Marine parasites as pollution indicators: an update.
1Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs 06269-3043, USA.
Parasitology
|December 12, 2003
Summary
Marine parasites show promise as pollution indicators. New criteria and data highlight their value in monitoring hydrocarbon pollution, particularly Diclidophora merlangi in the North Sea.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Marine parasites are increasingly recognized as valuable bioindicators of pollution.
- Recent reviews highlight a surge in research on marine parasite pollution indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the literature on marine parasite pollution indicators (1995-2001).
- To establish refined criteria for selecting suitable indicator/monitor species.
- To present new data supporting specific parasites as hydrocarbon pollution indicators.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of cited publications.
- Development and application of 10 criteria for selecting indicator species.
- Analysis of previously unpublished data on Diclidophora merlangi and Dictyocotyle coeliaca.
Main Results:
- Ten refined criteria for selecting marine parasite indicator species were proposed.
- Data confirm Diclidophora merlangi and Dictyocotyle coeliaca as potential indicators of hydrocarbon pollution in the North Sea.
- The extensive knowledge on D. merlangi emphasizes its potential as an indicator species.
Conclusions:
- Marine parasites offer a promising avenue for pollution monitoring.
- Further research is needed to precisely measure contaminant effects on hosts and parasites.
- Future progress depends on accurate contaminant identification and assessment of disease roles.