Comparisons of Different Size Fractions of Rose Bengal Stained Foraminifera Inhabiting the Venice Lagoon, ITALY

As part of a study to determine the ecological effects of sediment redistribution in the Venice Lagoon, Italy (SIOSED), benthic foraminifera were examined from push-core samples collected from three (3) sites in the Lagoon in June 2005. Each site was located in a different contamination zone (A, B, and C) in order to compare foraminiferal assemblages exposed to varying levels of contaminants. Rose Bengal stained foraminiferal assemblages of the >150 micron fraction living at site C with highest levels of contaminants (such as lead, zinc, and arsenic) had higher abundances in June than did the other sites examined. This may be the result of greater food availability at this site. The 63-150 micron fraction assemblages will be compared with those of the >150 micron fraction. The results of this study will provide information about the effects of environmental conditions and ecological impacts of contaminants on benthic foraminifera. This material is produced in the framework of the SIOSED project, supported by Magistrato alle Acque di Veniza, Italy (Venice Water Authority) throughout Consorzio Venezia Nuova and Thetis S.p.A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Magistrato alle Acque di Venezia (Venice Water Authority), Consorzio Venezia Nuova, or Thetis S.p.A.