Nematodes of Meiobenthos and Periphyton in Rybinsk Reservoir Tributaries

Abstract

In various biotopic groups of invertebrates of small rivers, the species richness and nematode abundance vary. Periphyton is poorer than meiobenthos. Along with common species, a number of worms are found only in biofouling or only in meiobenthos. A significant increase in species richness, diversity of ecological groups, and abundance of worms in meiobenthos and periphyton of small rivers is observed in zones contaminated with organic substances of anthropogenic and zoogenic origin. The biocenotic and functional role of nematodes in these groups depends to a higher extent on the level of food availability than on a number of other environmental factors that limit their development.