Abstract
Benthic foraminifera are sensitive to environmental changes and widely used as tools to monitor pollution. Rising numbers of deformed tests are often used as indicator for elevated levels of heavy metals, but little is known about the relation between heavy metal incorporation into foraminiferal tests and the formation of test deformities. Here, two sediment cores from the south-eastern North Sea are compared, regarding the occurrence of deformed foraminiferal tests, foraminiferal test chemistry (ICP-MS) and bulk sediment Pb content (XRF). The total abundance of deformed foraminiferal tests seems not to align temporarily with historical heavy metal pollution. Therefore, we suggest that foraminifera react with test deformation to other environmental stressors than the studied heavy metals. Test chemistry reflects historical increased bulk sediment heavy metal content, despite a slight temporal offset. We propose that Pb (and Cd) are only incorporated into foraminiferal tests above a yet to be defined threshold of pollution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
