Response of benthic foraminifera to various pollution sources: implications for pollution monitoring

A detailed study of foraminiferal populations was carried out at three contaminated sites along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The unpolluted coast of Nitzanim provided the first natural base line to be determined for the region. At Palmahim (domestic sewage) the species diversity and population density was greatest. Here the largest foraminiferal test sizes and the highest percentage of agglutinated foraminifera were found. In contrast, the lowest species diversity and population density occurred near the Hadera power station, where coal was the major source of pollution in the sediment. Part of Haifa Bay is currently being contaminated by a variety of heavy metals. Benthic foraminifera have been demonstrated to be sensitive in situ monitors or coastal pollution. -from Authors