%0 Journal Article
%T Effects of nitrofurazone on ecosystem function in marine environments: A case study on microbial fauna.
%A Uroosa 
%A Kazmi SSUH
%A Warren A
%A Zhong X
%A Xu H
%J Mar Pollut Bull
%V 184
%N 0
%D Oct 2022 7
%M 36215761
%F 7.001
%R 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114216
%X 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.