Macrobenthic community for assessment of estuarine health in tropical areas (Northeast, Brazil): Review of macrofauna classification in ecological groups and application of AZTI Marine Biotic Index

► We investigate the ecological quality of tropical estuaries in Brazil using the AMBI. ► Macrofauna assignment on ecological groups was reviewed using the IndVal method. ► Most estuaries were classified between slightly-moderately disturbed boundaries. ► The study emphasizes the merits of the IndVal method and suggests its future use.