THE MICROHABITAT PREFERENCES OF LIVING (ROSE BENGAL STAINED) BENTHIC FORAMINIFERA FROM THE VENICE LAGOON

The microhabitat preferences of living (rose Bengal stained) foraminifera (>150µm) were studied from push cores taken in the lagoon of Venice, Italy. This study is part of a current project (SIOSED) to determine the effects of sediment redistribution in the lagoon. Differences were noted in the vertical abundance profiles of dominant taxa living within Venice Lagoon sediments. At one site, Ammonia sp., Haynesina sp., and Quinqueloculina sp. have similar vertical density profiles, with abundance maxima at the surface (0-1 cm). At another site, Ammonia sp. has a surface maximum while Haynesina sp. is also abundant deeper within the sediments. Comparisons with other sites sampled in the Venice Lagoon revealed changes in relative abundances of dominant taxa in different areas of the lagoon. Examination of foraminiferal microhabitats, sediment characteristics, and pore water chemistry suggest that some taxa may be influenced by the presence of contaminants. These results provide information that can be used to assess the influence of modern and ancient environmental change on benthic foraminifera in the Venice Lagoon.