Abstract
Effects of Cadmium on the Interactions between Bacterivorous Nematode Species, Acrobeloides nanus and Bursilla monhystera
Clifford P. Bendoy, Vanessa Mae C. Tumang, Queenilyn B. Albutra,
Carlo Stephen O. Moneva, Mary Ann M. Ganzon
Interactions of species have been recognized to play an important role in the
structure and functioning of the environment. However, the exact mechanism is
not well understood particularly under shifting environmental conditions like
pollution. To determine the effects of pollutants/contaminants on the fitness of two
soil nematodes (Acrobeloides nanus and Bursilla monhystera) under pristine and
polluted condition, we performed experimental set-ups (monoculture and
combined cultures) and exposed the organisms to varying sublethal cadmium (Cd)
concentrations (0 mg/L, 1.4 mg/L and 1.9 mg/L). In monoculture, results showed
continuous increase in the abundances of A. nanus and B. monhystera in
non-polluted condition. Abundance of A. nanus remained increased in polluted
condition, however, B. monhystera responded negatively to increasing
Cd concentrations. In combination, results in non-polluted condition showed that
B. monhystera exhibited a negative effect on the abundance of A. nanus,
suggesting that B. monhystera is a stronger competitor than A. nanus. However,
a shift in abundance pattern was observed when both species were exposed to
pollutants particularly on the positive effect by A. nanus on B. monhystera which
implies that sublethal Cd concentrations can potentially alter species interactions.
Thorough assessment of nematode interactions is essential in explaining patterns
of community structure in disturbed systems and determining proper functioning
in the ecosystem.
KEYWORDS: abundance, community, competitor, monoculture, pollution
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