The impact of petrochemical effluent on the fauna of an intertidal estuarine mudflat

The influence of petrochemical industrial effluent on the fauna of the Kinneil intertidal area of the Forth estuary, over a 6-year period, is described. The fauna has a restricted species richness and is often abundant with a high biomass. Zones of pollution around the effluent are delimited and associated changes in species composition, abundance, biomass and redox potential are documented. Closing one discharge during the study period led to the rapid recovery of a previously polluted area.