Crimson Publishers Publish With Us Reprints e-Books Video articles

Abstract

Examines in Marine Biology & Oceanography

Biocycling of Fractional Fatty Acid Components of Lipids in Mangrove-Benthic Systems, in Midnapore (East) Coast, India

Submission: September 12, 2017; Published: February 06, 2018

DOI: 10.31031/EIMBO.2018.01.000510

ISSN: 2578-031X
Volume1 Issue2

Abstract

Animals are important in nutrient cycling in mangrove-estuarine ecosystems by virtue of their foraging and excretory processes which convert complex organics into simpler ones (nitrogen, phosphorus etc) and thereby support a substantial proportion of the nutrient demands of primary producers. Different categories of good quality fatty acids are considered to be important determinants of health and stability of mangrove ecosystem as found from the present studies on the functional roles rendered by selected intertidal macro benthos at an ecotone (Talshari), the confluence of an estuary, Subarnarekha with an open sea, Bay of Bengal, near Midnapore (East), coast, West Bengal, India. These biochemical entities not only represent a major pool of nutrients but also throw light with regard to nutrient cycling among different compartments of coastal ecosystem (Plants, Animals Soil, and Water), especially through trophic interactions. Three different benthic fauna were selected from this studied eco-zone for detailed analysis of their lipids and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in respect of their association and dependence on mangrove plants and detritus rich soil. These EFAs after being entered within body of benthic fauna undergo biotransformation and bioconversion processes from different food sources available in plenty at this intertidal basin. Several saturated and unsaturated fatty acids present within the body of studied animals have indicated that these biochemical components can be considered as a good biomarker for understanding food chain and food web dynamics of a mangrove-estuarine ecosystem.

Keywords: Trophic interactions; Lipids; Fatty acids; Biomarker; Mangrove; Estuary and benthic animals

Get access to the full text of this article