Study of current benthic foraminifera as environmental bioindicators in the mediterranean coasts, northwest Morocco

Abstract

In this project, we introduce a novel methodology for analysing the environmental conditions in the coastal area of Martil (Tétouan, Morocco) using benthic foraminifera as bio-indicators of marine ecological status. Benthic foraminifera have emerged as reliable indicators of environmental pollution, Their sensitivity to environmental changes, wide geographic presence, and short life cycle make them ideal for indicating the ecological status. Our study focused on the Mediterranean coastal region, along a radial perpendicular to the coast, at different depths, at the mouth of the Martil River, in addition to a control sample collected in the Azla region at a depth of 25 meters. Abiotic parameters like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured on-site, complemented by detailed sedimentary analyses in the laboratory. A meticulous protocol was followed for the study of microfauna, particularly benthic foraminifera, involving washing, extraction, sorting, species identification, statistical counting, and microscopic imaging. Utilizing CA and AHC analyses, we identified factors influencing benthic foraminifera distribution, such as sediment depth and grain size variations. Specific indices derived from foraminifera data allowed us to assess stress levels accurately. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into evaluating the ecological health of Morocco's coastal marine ecosystems, paving the way for informed conservation efforts and sustainable management practices.