The response of benthic foraminifera to environmental changes in Epie creek, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Abstract

Epie creek, located at the Southern part of Nigeria has been known for its use as sink for the disposal of untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Benthic foraminifera are increasingly been used as environmental bio-indicators of pollution. Their munity structure provides information on the general characteristics of the environment and some species are sensitive to specific environmental parameters. This study investigates recent foraminifera from sediment samples collected from ten (10) stations (ranging in depths from 1m to 4.2m) in the Epie creek from Igbogene to Tombia- Etegwe. The environmental factors that necessitate their existence such as temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured during the sampling time. Metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Recognized benthic foraminifera species belonging to four (4) genera of three (3) families and four(4) suborder were identified. Five (5) benthic foraminifera taxa were identified from sediment samples which include Lenticulina stellata, Saccammina sp, Marginulina costata, Marginulina cf. planata and Trochammina sp. The stress tolerant specie, Trochammina ,sp. was common in the study area confirming a stressed environment.