Influence of effluent discharge on Maltese shore biotic assemblages

Effluent discharges in coastal areas are a growing problem in a constantly developing world, with rocky shores being some of the most impacted by coastal development worldwide. The present study was aimed at establishing whether effluent discharge, having low nutrient levels, influences attributes of the associated biotic assemblages. Results indicated a significantly higher number and abundance of macroinvertebrate taxa, but lower diversity and evenness at effluent sites compared to reference sites. Therefore, even at low levels, nutrients in discharged effluent have a significant effect on shore biotic assemblages, but this impact is restricted to the vicinity of the effluent discharge point.