Date of Award
12-1975
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
November 2025
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Alex Marsh
Abstract
Bimonthly benthic samples (April, 1972 to March, 1973) taken at eleven stations provide quantitative reference data on the benthic macrofaunal communities of Lake Worth in Palm Beach County, Florida. Distribution and structure in relation to sediment types and sources of pollution are discussed. One hundred seventy-one taxa were identified. The five top-ranked species were the bivalve Mulinia lateralis; the polychaetes Spiochaetopterus oculatus, Paraprionospio pinnata, and Glycinde solitaria; and the amphipod Cerapus sp. Stations were grouped as sand, silty-sand, mud, and outfall stations based on similarity of faunal composition and sediment type. The sand and silty-sand stations had the highest diversity (H') and species richness (spp/180) values. The mud and outfall stations had low H' and spp/180 values which were similar to values reported for pollution-stressed areas in other studies. The outfall station was dominated by the pollution-tolerant polychaete Capitella capitata.
Recommended Citation
Reed, John K., "BENTHIC MACROFAUNAL ASSOCIATIONS IN LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA, AND THEIR USE AS INDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY." (1975). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 154.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/154