Selection of an indicator species: A coordinated ecological and biological approach to the assessment of pollution

Abstract

A method of objectively identifying those species sensitive to sewage pollution from general population survey data was used to identify potential target organisms for the biochemical investigations of the sub-lethal effects of pollution. In most suitable of the selected species, Glycera alba , consistent changes in the activities of certain glycolytic enzymes and malate dehydrogenase related to the subtle effects of organic enrichment by sewage. In contrast few changes in enzyme activities were found on analysis of a species, Capitella capitata , which was selected on the basis of its tolerance of effects of organic enrichment. The necessity for coordinated environmental monitoring, biological and biochemical investigations to identify suitable target organisms on which to base programmes aimed at sub-lethal effects monitoring is emphasized