A possible method for the detection of pollution-induced disturbance on marine benthic communities

In unpolluted areas the log-normal distribution of individuals per species fits well data from many benthic communities. Using a simple plotting method, under slight pollution the data show a distinct break in the normally straight line log-normal plot and the plot covers more geometric classes than data from unpolluted areas. Under more severe pollution stress the data show a return to a log-normal distribution, but with a shallower slope, and span more geometric classes than data from less polluted areas. The above-mentioned patterns are consistent for spatial effects of pollution in Oslofjord and for temporal effects in data from a Scottish sea loch and also apply to other communities. An explanation of the reasons for such patterns is given and consideration given to the robustness of and application of the methods described.