The response of benthic foraminifera to various pollution sources: a study from Nellore Coast, East Coast of India.

A study of benthic foraminiferal species was carried out along Nellore Coast of South India. Analysis of surfacial sediment samples from the study area shows enrichment in heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn). The environment has become so lethal to foraminifera that minimal species number (4-7) can currently preserved in living condition in a depth less than 5-fth contour from coast. Samples from outfalls which receive only agricultural and aquacultural drainage water show heavy metal concentrations slightly higher to natural baseline levels, and yielding, living foraminifera (10-15). The frequent occurrence of deformed and abnormal specimens in Industrial outfalls, comparable to aquacultural and agricultural outlets reveal that (a) benthic foraminifera are more sensitive to industrial wastes containing heavy metals, (b) agricultural and aquacultural wastes do not significantly harm benthic foraminifera, and (c) morphological abnormalities of the foraminiferal tests depend upon the nature of the pollutant.