eDNA metabarcoding of marine sediment to assess the effect of Sabella worms on macrofaunal and microbial communities

Sabella has the potential to affect the surrounding soft-sediments through changes in benthic habitat due to the physical presence of the worm's tube and associated biological activities, particularly suspension feeding and biodeposition. A 6-month field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of Sabella on existing macrofaunal, eukaryote and microbial communities within soft-sediment habitats. Macrofaunal data were obtained using microscopic observations, whereas microbial and eukaryotic data were generated using metabarcoding of 16S and 18S ribosomal genes, respectively. Live and mimic Sabella worms were transplanted at different densities (10 - 50 individuals per m2) into experimental plots with existing assemblages, to test for potential biological and/or physical effects on benthic communities.