Detecting low-level sewage pollution using rocky shore communities as bio-indicators

Abstract

Coastal pollution due to high inputs of organic matter is easy to detect and monitor it is much more difficult in the case of sporadic low-level inputs. Full routine water-quality surveys of large stretches of coastline are time-consuming and expensive. The present study evaluates the suitability of using rocky shore community structure as such an indicator in the Maltese Islands. The rocky shore communities at Xaghra, which is 1.3km south of Malta’s main sewage outfall were sampled. The peculiarities found in these communities suggest that rocky shore biotic assemblages may be useful indicators of low-level sewage pollution, at least under local conditions.