Nematode community structure in relation to metals in the southern of Caspian Sea

Spatial distribution and structure of nematode assemblages in coastal sediments of the southern part of the Caspian Sea were studied in relation to environmental factors. By considering metals, organic matter, Shannon diversity index (H), maturity index (MI) and trophic diversity (ITD), ecological quality status of sediment was also determined. Fifteen nematode species belonging to eleven genera were identified at the sampling sites. Average density of nematode inhabiting in sediment of the studied area was 139.78 +/- 98.91 (ind. per 15.20 cm(2)). According to redundancy analysis (RDA), there was high correlation between metals and some species. Based on biological indicators, the studied area had different environmental quality. Generally, chemical and biological indices showed different results while biological indices displayed similar results in more sites.