Benthic foraminiferal response to variations in temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and organic carbon, in the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Recent benthic foraminiferal distribution patterns in Guanabara Bay are investigated in relation to temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and organic carbon content. Patterns of foraminiferal fauna differ between the entrance of the bay and inner parts. The primary result of the present study is that the distribution of Cassidulina subglobosa and Discorbis williamsoni appear to be governed by lower temperature and higher salinities being found in the entrance of the bay. According to dissolved oxygen content it was observed that Quinqueloculina seminulum occurs when values are higher than 2 mg/l, being intolerant to low oxygen bottom water conditions. By the other hand, Buliminella elegantissima, Bolivina striatula and Bulimmina elongata flourishes under low oxygen waters and in sediment where the organic matter accumulation is high, being found mainly in the central parts of the bay.