Beaches present different morphodynamic stages. Natural processes controlled by tides, waves and winds transform coastal morphology. Some beaches are characterized by the presence of intertidal bars and valleys. The morphological features of the ridge and runnel system favor the development of several organisms, mainly macrofauna and meiofauna. Copepoda, Nematoda and Tardigrada are abundant on sandy beaches. This work aims to analyze the spatial distribution of benthic meiofauna and nematofauna in an area influenced by tidal channels on Corvina beach (Salinópolis, Pará). The collections were carried out in parallel channels on Corvina beach in April 2018, during the rainy season, where five collection strips were established parallel to the waterline. The samples were analyzed and screened. The granulometry was determined by sieving the coarse sediments and pipetting the fines, and the organic matter content by calcination. To compare the biological descriptors (richness and density) as well as the abiotic variables, univariate methods, ANOVA and Tukey's test were used. Multivariate methods were used to describe the variations in the structure of meiofaunal communities. A total of 65.467 individuals of meiofauna were identified, with Nematada being the most representative group (73.5%), with significant differences in the structure of the meiofauna community between the collection points. In addition, 67 genera of Nematoda were identified, with Xyalidae being the most abundant family (33.0%). In Praia das Corvinas, both meiofauna and nematofauna showed differences in density along the intertidal.
Keywords: meiofauna; nematode; tidal channel; sandy beaches.
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