Colonization of benthic organisms on different artificial substratum in Ilha Grande bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of three different types of artificial substrates - concrete, metal and rubber - on the colonization of benthic organisms, using a structure called Multiple Disc Sampling Apparatus or MDSA. The results confirmed the hypothesis that the communities of incrusting invertebrates have preferences in relation to the type and orientation of the substratum to be colonized. Concrete and rubber, rougher surfaces, were more attractive to the organisms than the metal used. The orientation also had big influence because of the sedimentation that probably acted on the superior face of the materials, hindered the colonization.