A baseline investigation of benthic foraminifera in relation to marine sediments parameters in western parts of the Arabian Gulf

This baseline paper discusses the distribution and abundance of living benthic foraminifera in relation to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) such as As, Al, Fe Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, V, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Zn in marine sediments collected from 30 stations in the offshore Arabian Gulf to define baseline environ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2019-09, Vol.146, p.751-766
Main Authors: Amao, Abduljamiu O., Qurban, Mohammad A., Kaminski, Michael A., Joydas, Thadickal V., Manikandan, Ponnambalam K., Frontalini, Fabrizio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aluminum
Anthropogenic factors
Arabian Gulf
Benthic foraminifera
Benthos
Biomonitoring
Cadmium
Chromium
Communities
Copper
Endemic species
Environmental conditions
Foraminifera
Heavy metals
Iron
Lead
Marine sediments
Mercury
Mercury (metal)
Nickel
Offshore
Pollution
PTE
Sediments
Trace metals
Zinc
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Summary:This baseline paper discusses the distribution and abundance of living benthic foraminifera in relation to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) such as As, Al, Fe Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, V, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Zn in marine sediments collected from 30 stations in the offshore Arabian Gulf to define baseline environmental conditions for the implementation of future biomonitoring programs. A total of 271 living benthic foraminiferal species were identified belonging to 66 genera, 37 families and 6 orders. Data from this work suggest that PTEs are within the range of background values, and the sediments support highly diversified and stable benthic foraminiferal communities adapted to the unique environmental conditions in the Gulf. Thus, the effect of anthropogenic activities is deemed negligible. This study is expected to provide a baseline dataset for PTE levels in sediment, benthic foraminiferal communities, and identify endemic species adapted to extremes of temperature and saline conditions typical of the Gulf. •Relationships between Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and distribution of benthic foraminifera studied•Data from this work suggest that PTEs are within the range of background values.•A total of 271 living benthic foraminiferal species were identified, highest record in the region.•Endemic species adapted to extremes of temperature and saline conditions typical of the Gulf identified.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.072