The Foram Stress Index: A New Tool for Environmental Assessment of Soft-Bottom Environments Using Benthic Foraminifera. A Case Study from the Saronikos Gulf, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean

摘要: Saronikos Gulf, including the industrial zone of Elefsis Bay and Port Piraeus, is one most anthropogenically impacted coastal regions Greece. Distinct assemblages benthic foraminifers in sediment samples, collected from this gulf February 2012, defined three zones that reflect abiotic parameters sediments (e.g., organic carbon, metal content). A low-diversity assemblage, dominated by stress-tolerant Ammonia tepida Bulimina spp., was characteristic samples Bay. Samples western central part Gulf were variable with respect to both foraminiferal characterized a mix more sensitive taxa, especially Bolivina spp. Nonion fabum. coast Salamis at eastern sector diverse assemblage included Peneroplis pertusus, miliolids, variety small, epiphytic rotaliid taxa. new biotic index, Foram Stress Index (FSI), based on relative percentages two ecological groups species, grouped according their tolerance/sensitivity matter enrichment weighted proportionately obtain formula define five ecological-status classes. The FSI produced rankings for these (Poor, Moderate Good), strongly correlate macroinvertebrate-classification tool known as BENTIX Index. provides assess or substrata quality upon assemblages, which are significant component living meiobenthic communities generally not considered indices.