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Distribution of Trace Metals and the Benthic Foraminiferal Assemblage as a Characterization of the Environment in the North Minjiang River Estuary (Fujian, China)

Tao Li, Xuejie Li, Hexian Zhong, Chupeng Yang, Guihua Sun, Weidong Luo

Mar Pollut Bull. 2015 Jan 15;90(1-2):227-41.

PMID: 25467867

Abstract:

A study of the total benthic foraminifera was carried out in 173 surficial sediment samples collected from the north Minjiang River Estuary and two bays. Foraminiferal assemblages are dominated by Ammonia tepida and subordinately by Elphidium advenum. Trace metal analyses reveal that the study area is unpolluted to moderately polluted with As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The metal distribution has an affinity with fine-grained sediment. Five metal groups are recognized based on their distribution patterns: (1) As, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ni, V, and Zn, (2) Hg, Pb, and Sb, (3) Ba and Zr, (4) Rb and Y, and (5) Sr. The species-environment relationship showed that the species composition is adversely influenced by Cr, Cu, Ga, Pb, Rb, Zn, and Zr, whereas sand may exert a positive influence on Quinqueloculina. This study supports the adaptability of using benthic foraminifera as bio-monitors of trace metal pollution in marginal marine environments.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number Product Name Structure CAS Number Price
AS21128 Trace Metals - Sand 1 Trace Metals - Sand 1 Price
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