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Benthic Foraminifera as Pollution Biomarkers: a Morphological Approach
Laura Tavera Martínez1, Margarita Marchant2, Roberto T Abdala Díaz3
1Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile. ltavera@udec.cl.
Microbial Ecology
|August 18, 2023
Summary
Coastal pollution from heavy metals causes shell abnormalities in foraminifera (a type of microorganism). These changes serve as biomarkers, indicating environmental stress and informing biodiversity protection efforts.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Coastal areas face increasing contamination from anthropogenic activities, particularly heavy metals.
- Benthic microorganisms like foraminifera are highly susceptible to environmental changes and toxic agents.
- Foraminifera shell abnormalities can serve as sensitive biomarkers for pollution and environmental stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess heavy metal contamination and its impact on benthic foraminifera in northern Chile.
- To calculate the Foraminifera Abnormality Index (FAI) and analyze its spatial and temporal distribution.
- To identify specific foraminifera species and shell deformities indicative of pollution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 28 sediment samples from coastal areas in northern Chile.
- Calculation of the Foraminifera Abnormality Index (FAI) and abnormality percentages.
- Application of generalized non-linear models and principal component analysis to correlate heavy metal concentrations with shell abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Foraminifera shell abnormalities were found within ranges indicative of polluted conditions, signaling environmental stress.
- Highest FAI values were observed in the bay's southwest, linked to local current systems.
- Significant correlations were identified between specific heavy metals (Ti, Mn, Ni, Va, Ba) and various shell deformities.
Conclusions:
- Foraminifera exhibit significant shell deformities in response to heavy metal contamination in coastal sediments.
- Species such as Bolivina seminuda, Buliminella elegantissima, and Epistominella exigua are reliable bioindicators of pollution.
- Monitoring foraminifera abnormalities provides an efficient method for early detection of environmental stress, aiding in marine biodiversity conservation.
