Benthic foraminiferids as pollution indicators in Southampton Water, southern England, U.K.

A R Sharifi,I W Croudace,R L Austin

doi:10.1144/jm.10.1.109

Abstract

Abstract. A study of heavy metals in estuarine sediments and foraminiferal tests along with foraminiferal distributions from Southampton Water indicates that:a) heavy metals have a marked effect upon foraminiferid distribution. Some species are able to tolerate pollution and their relative abundance increases at discharge points, whereas other species develop test deformities. Investigation of cores show that no deformed specimens exist within sediments prior to the introduction of pollution.b) deformed specimens contain higher levels of elements such as Cu and Zn than non-deformed specimens. This indicates that heavy metals may be responsible for the abnormalities within foraminiferid tests. Culture experiments support this hypothesis. Specimens of Ammonia beccarii (Linné) developed abnormal chambers over a period of 12 weeks within a culture medium containing 10–20ppb of Cu.

Highlights

Polluted environments and their effect upon foraminiferids have been studied by many investigators from different parts of the world over the last three decades
The conclusions drawn from previous investigations are that a) foraminiferid species are sensitive to pollution, b) certain species appear to tolerate pollution and become dominant in contaminated areas, c) certain species develop test deformities in polluted areas
Almost all the previous investigations were based on one sample collection and those who reported deformed specimens within their sample have not attempted to analyse them to establish the presence or absence of particular pollutants

Summary

Introduction

Polluted environments and their effect upon foraminiferids have been studied by many investigators from different parts of the world over the last three decades (see for example: Watkins 1961; Bandy et al 1964a, 1964b, 1965a, 1965b; Schafer 1970, 1973; Schafer & Cole 1974; Seiglie 1971, 1975; Setty 1976, 1982; Setty & Nigam 1984; Ellison et al 1986; Alve 1991). Is able to demonstrate how foraminiferids respond to heavy metal pollution within this region. Parameters such as salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen of sea water just above the sediments and water depth were noted at each of the sampling sites during the course of the study. These three species together constitute over 85% of the foraminiferid population (living and dead) at all the nine sampled sites.

Results

Conclusion