FORAMINIFER AND OSTRACOD FAUNAS OF THE SUBMARINE HILL HARMANTAŞI LOCALITY (GULF OF SAROS, NORTHERN AEGEAN SEA) AND THE IMPACT OF THE UNDERWATER SPRINGS ON THE FAUNA

Abstract

- A total of 46 sediment samples collected from Harmantaþý locality (Gulf of Saros, Northern Aegean Sea) were analysed for its Foraminifer and Ostracod content. 68 genera and 111 species of benthic formaninifera were identified. 99 of the species have calcerous tests, and agglutinant types were represented with only 12 species. 20 genera and 27 species of ostarcods were found. Physicochemical parameters such as depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and salinity we measured to reveal the underwater topography of the region. Several underwater springs were detected around the fault lines. Taxonomical differences as well as morphological abnormalities were observed in the the foraminiferal species found close to these springs. Water samples were collected from the springs and near stations. Heavy metal and trace elements analyses of these water samples revealed that there is no antropogenic pollution around the locality, but the submarine springs are the major source of the heavy metals and trace elements in sea water. Radioactivity of the sea water samples were found to be above the WHO limits. The aim of this study is to figure out the possible reasons of the morphological abnormalities observed in foraminiferal tests.