Specific composition of order Tintinnida (Ciliophora: Protozoa) in the Coastal waters of Lattakia city, Syria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the species composition of the marine ciliate community (order Tintinnida) and its temporal and spatial variations in the southern coastal area of Lattakia, located between the estuary of the Al-Kabir Al-Shamali River and the fishing port on the southern corniche, covering an area of approximately 6 km². Sampling was conducted at four stations with differing chemical characteristics (polluted by wastewater – ST1, fishing boat harbor – ST2, clean seawater – ST3, river estuary – ST4).

Six marine cruises were conducted during the year 2017, covering all seasons of the year. A total of 24 samples were collected for the study from the subsurface layer of seawater using horizontal towing with a WP2-type plankton net with a mesh size of 50 microns.

The number of Tintinnids species recorded during the study period reached 44, including six dominant species. The results revealed clear temporal variations in the species composition of Tintinnids, with species richness increasing during spring and autumn and declining significantly in summer. The results also showed significant spatial variations in diversity values among the sampling stations.

This study revealed that the presence of pollutants and nutrients at certain stations played a significant role in the changes in Tintinnids diversity. More adaptable and tolerant species to fluctuations in nutrient and pollutant concentrations became prominent, while other species declined. This reflects the varying adaptability of these organisms.