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 unpol luted coast of Nitzanim provided the first natural base line to be det ermined for the region. A total of 158 species of benthic foraminifera from 36 families were identified along the shallow (6-50 m) parts of the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Ammonia tepida (Cushman), Porosonon ion subgranosus mediterranicus Yanko, and Triloculina marioni Schlumbe rger were the dominant species everywhere, whereas the accessory speci es varied. At Palmahim (domestic sewage) the species diversity and pop ulation density was greatest. Here the largest foraminiferal test size s and the highest percentage of agglutinated foraminifera were found. In contrast, the lowest species diversity and population density occur red near the Hadera power station, where coal was the major source of pollution in the sediment.Part of Haifa Bay is currently being contami nated by a variety of heavy metals. In the contaminated site the foram iniferal tests were smaller, often stunted and frequently pyritized. A bberant tests was another more noticable response. At least 16 species exhibited abnormal tests. The degree of deformation ranged from mild to extreme. Benthic foraminifera have been demonstrated to be sensitiv e in situ monitors or coastal pollution.