Application of Abundance Biomass Curve in Ecological Health Assessment of Khure-Mussa (Northwest of the Persian Gulf)

Khuzestan coastal waters have high fisheries potential and ecological importance. Since different sources of stress exist in this area, the present study was conducted to evaluate ecological quality and to determine health status in Khuzestan coastal sediments based on benthic communities and their biological parameters. Seasonal sampling was done from 20 creeks of Khur-e-Mussa area in Khuzestan coastal waters by 0.125 m2 Peterson grabsampler during winter 2008 to autumn 2009. Macro– invertebrates were separated, sorted and identified to the lowest possible taxon. In addition, biological parameters such as diversity, richness, biomass and abundance were calculated. The results were analyzed using univariate analysis method, ABC (Abundance–Biomass Curve). The most abundant groups were polychaets (58%), crustaceans (25%) and mollusk (9%), respectively. The ABC plots showed that majority ef creeks could be classified as moderately disturbed and polluted. The ranges of H' diversity index values in majority of stations indicated moderate ecological status.