Case Studies Using Nematode Assemblage Analysis in Aquatic Habitats

Both marine and freshwater habitats are threatened by the activity of mankind, with industrial discharges, sewage disposal and oil spills all representing major threats exacerbated by global changes. Among meiofaunal taxa, nematodes are the most abundant multicellular organisms on Earth, including systems with extremely challenging conditions, accounting for about two-thirds of all metazoans. Nematodes are abundant and diverse in both marine and freshwater habitats (see Chapter 2, this volume). They are not only ubiquitous but also characterized by a high species richness, covering a broad range of sensitivity to various anthropogenic disturbances. Nematodes have the potential to be used as bioindicators, and they also display short resilience times after the end of disturbances. Here we report case studies relating to the use of nematode assemblage analysis in both marine and freshwater habitats. Further examples can also be found in other chapters of this volume.