The effect of submarine thermal springs of Doganbey Cape (Seferihisar - Izmir) on foraminifer, ostracod and mollusc assemblages

WOS: 000438832800005The aim of this study was to figure out the effects of the submarine hot water springs located on the coast of Doganbey Cape (north of Kusadasi Bay) on various micro- and macrofaunal assemblages living around these springs. Young sediment samples were collected from different depths at 15 stations. The benthic foraminifer, ostracod and mollusc faunas were investigated. 35 genera and 61 species of benthic foraminifers, 16 genera and 20 species of ostracods and 14 genera and 15 species of molluscs were identified. Typical Aeegan foraminifer fauna was found to be dominant. Besides, individuals with colored tests or abnormal morphology, as well as alien species, which are frequently observed on the Aegean coasts were also observed in the study area. The foraminifer, ostracod and mollusc species also constituted typical Aegean fauna. It is known that the ecological conditions experienced of the Amphistegina lobifera Larsen individuals in typical Aegean benthic foraminifer assemblage have an effect on the abundance distribution. Ideal conditions for Amphistegina lobifera Larsen was found to be 18.00-32.00 m depth range and 19-20 degrees C temperatures. CTD conductivity values gradually increased near to the hot water spring but a decrease in the number of individuals were observed. Chemical analyzes in sediment samples were performed with X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Spectrometer (WDXRF). Heavy metal ingredients (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) of the sediments were evaluated, concentrations were recorded as Cr>Ni>Mn in samples DB1-DB6 and also in DB15; Mn>Cr>Ni in DB8-DB11 and DB13-DB14; Cr>Mn>Ni in DB7 and in DB12. The radioactive elements U and Th were found to be high in DB9, DB10 and DB11. The chemical and radioactive properties of the sediments were observed to affect the tests of benthic foraminifers, where as no such effect was found on ostracod and mollusc tests

The effects of submarine springs on meiobenthic assemblages (benthic foraminifers, ostracods and molluscs) on the coasts of Aliaga (Izmir)

WOS: 000455157100002Many scientific researches have been done on different faunal assemblages in relation to the environmental condition from thermal sources located on the eastern Aegean Sea coast. Aliaga (Izmir) region has also thermal resources. These two thermal springs are closely located on the coast of Ilica Cape, northwest of Aliaga (Izmir) and northwest of Karaagac Cove. Their temperatures are 40 degrees C and 51 degrees C, respectively. The bottom deposits consist of rock fragments, gravel, sand, silt and clay units in the study area. In this research, 13 bottom sediment samples taken from different points and corresponding depths in the sea between the Ilica Cape and the Tasli Cape were examined. Heavy metal analysis in the sediment samples were done by using ICP-MS. In addition, the results of trace element analysis and total Alpha and Beta features in the samples taken from the sea surface and spring waters were evaluated. The aim is to interpret meiobenthic living conditions by investigating on the effect of thermal springs the benthic foraminifera, ostracod and mollusk assemblages in this region. It was observed that the typical Aegean Sea foraminifera fauna composed of 32 genera and 50 species predominated in the studied samples. An important peculiarity of the region is absence of amphistegina lobifera and peneroplid genera and species commonly observed in the Aegean coasts of Turkey. Widely known nineteen genera and twentyeight species from Ostracods were found in Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. Mollusc faunas consist of 9 genera and 10 species from gastropods, 14 genera and 14 species from bivalves. The other an important finding in the deposits are the presence of numerous gypsum crystals in sample A11. This finding is an indication of an old thermal source. Furthermore, distribution of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), Cooper (Cu) and arsenic (As) as the heavy metals in the same sample were found to be the highest. In these examples, a few species of foraminifera and only one species from ostracods and bivalves were found

A multi disciplinary overview of factors controlling on meiofauna assemblages around Maden and Alibey islands in Ayvalik (Balikesir, Eastern Aegean Sea)

In coastal parts of the study areas, heavy metals containing ground water flows along the faults and fractures and reaches at sea. In these contaminated waters, morphologically abnormal individuals of the affected meiofauna (benthic foraminifera, ostracod, mollusc) can be found. Three cores were taken from the seafloor in the four separate stations that are located in NW of Ayvalik village, around Alibey and Maden islands, and one core of each three core groups was studied in order to investigate the aforementioned morphological affects on the recent meiofauna, which have been inhibited in those contaminated waters. Lead, manganese, hematite and limonite deposits with small reserves were present in Alibey, Maden and Kiicilk (Small) Maden islands. Morphological changes and coloring were observed in tests of large number of Peneroplis, Lobatula, Ammonia and Elphidium samples collected from these areas. This observation vindicates impact of heavy metals onto the foraminifera assemblages. Heavy metals and other chemical and radioactive elements found in the surrounding country side have been naturally transported into the adjacent sea water during the past and present. The aim of this study is to figure out the effects of the chemical and radioactive elements, which were carried from the land on the meiofaunal (benthic foraminifera, ostracod and mollusc) assemblages. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved