To evaluate the effects of nitrofurazone on functional processes in marine ecosystems, periphytic protozoan communities were exposed to different concentrations of the antibiotic for a 10-day duration. Species trait distributions in the tested communities were observed during exposure to five concentrations of nitrofurazone. A fuzzy coding system with seven traits and seventeen categories was used to summarize the changes in functional patterns of the test organisms. Nitrofurazone had a significant influence on the function process of the periphytic ciliate communities. Bacterivores with flattened bodies were sensitive to the toxicant whereas sessile and cylindrical raptors showed a high tolerance to nitrofurazone, invariably dominating communities exposed to high concentrations. Bootstrapped-average analysis demonstrated a significant change in functional patterns at highest nitrofurazone concentrations (8 mg l-1). Based on these findings, it is suggested that nitrofurazone may negatively influence ecosystem function in marine environments.
Keywords: Bioassay; Ecosystem function; Marine ecosystem; Nitrofurazone; Periphytic protozoa.
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