Exploring the effects of decabromodiphenyl ether on meiofaunal communities: An experimental approach

Abstract

This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of BDE-209, a persistent organic pollutant (POP), prevalent in Kuwait's coastal-industrial zones, on meiofaunal communities. A mesocosm experiment was conducted, exposing sediment-dwelling meiofaunal communities from sediments near Failaka Island (Kuwait) to gradient concentrations of BDE-209 (0.01–20 mg/kg) over a 4-week period. The effect on meiofaunal communities was evaluated by changes in the taxonomic composition, alpha and beta diversity metrics, and the Nematodes/Copepods (Ne/Co) ratio. Our findings reveal that BDE-209 exposure significantly reduced alpha diversity and induced shifts in the community structure, favouring resilient taxa such as nematodes. The increasing Ne/Co ratio underscores structural changes and highlights the pollutant's potential to disrupt sedimentary ecosystem functions. Temporal analyses confirm the persistence of BDE-209 in sediments despite partial degradation, reinforcing its classification as a POP with long-term ecological risks. This study provides valuable insights into the responses of meiofaunal communities to POPs like BDE-209, demonstrating their efficacy as bioindicators for sediment quality. By integrating meiofaunal biomonitoring metrics with mesocosm experiments, this research provides a robust method for assessing the ecological impacts of BDE-209, particularly in regions lacking regulatory frameworks. It also raises awareness of the broader implications of POPs in marine ecosystems. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring programs and stricter regulations to mitigate PBDE contamination in marine ecosystems. Future research should focus on field-based validation of mesocosm results and investigate the interactive effects of BDE-209 with other pollutants to better understand its cumulative ecological impact.