Macrobenthic community of an anthropogenically influenced mangrove associated estuary on the East coast of India: An approach for ecological assessment

The Mahanadi Estuarine System (MES), with a complex network of freshwater channels, rivers, and mangroves, is leading seaport in State Odisha on the east coast India, but subjected to intense human activity recent years. Such anthropic impingements are known impact sediment-dwelling biota adversely. However, information macrobenthic community MES not well documented yet. Therefore, primary objectives this study (February 2013-March 2017) were address knowledge gaps structure vis-à-vis local environmental conditions evaluate extent anthropogenic disturbances macrobenthos. results from 264 benthic grab samples (van Veen, 0.04 m 2 ; replicates × 12 GPS fixed locations 3 seasons) revealed 73 taxa representing 64 genera 48 families fauna. polychaetes (81.41%) crustaceans (15.42%) significant faunal groups that contributed mainly population diversity. Multivariate approaches using attributes biotic indices (AMBI M-AMBI) as proxy measures proved effective for appraisal. correlations between parameters (temperature, pH, salinity) estimates statistically significant. Hierarchical clustering analysis disclosed three major (Global R 0.70; p < 0.002) influenced by tolerant/opportunist species. lower abundance, richness, diversity, dominance opportunistic species mark signs stress. health status remained unbalanced, indicated AMBI scoring. M-AMBI best differentiating areas exposed diverse impacts polluted moderate ecological quality. Our reiterate use macrobenthos bioindicators monitoring. findings could be utilized future monitoring assessments, translated into valuable information, designed well-defined sustainable management strategies MES.