Taxonomy and Distribution of Recent Benthic Foraminifera from the Savitri Estuary, West Coast of India, Maharashtra

Abstract

Foraminifera have thrived in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including the depths of the oceans, brackish lagoons, estuaries, and, on rare occasions, in freshwater streams and lakes.In the present study, environmental variables and benthic foraminiferal assemblages were studied using17 samples obtained from various sites along the Savitri River. These samples comprised live specimens, as well as surface and subsurface (shallow core) samples.To know their distribution in, the present study has been undertaken nine stations starting from Velas to Umroli. Benthic foraminiferal taxa belonging to six sub orders(Textularina, Milolina, Lagenina and Rotalina), 16 super families, 20 families, 25 genera and 31species have been identified.Among the 31 species, five species Lagena semistriata Williamson, Bolivina striatula d’ Orbigny, Rosalina bradyi Cushman, Ammonia tepida and Elphidium advenum Cushman are considered to be abundant species of thepresent study.Higher diversity and population of foraminifera is noticed in the samples collected in the Bankot Jetty, because of their favourable niche. As moving towards landward locations, the lower diversity and population are observed. The substrate of present study area is seen to consist of Silty clay, Sand,Silty sand and Sand. Among these, silty sand provides the most favourable conditions for a higher population density. The primary ecological factors influencing the distribution of foraminifera in this area are the organic matter content and the characteristics of the substrate.

Introduction

Benthic foraminifera are valuable indicators of marine environmental conditions due to their abundance, fossilization potential, and sensitivity to ecological changes. They inhabit various aquatic environments, including deep oceans, brackish lagoons, estuaries, and occasionally freshwater streams and lakes. Their presence in the uppermost layers of marine and estuarine sediments makes them accessible for study and analysis. These microorganisms play a significant role in marine ecosystems, constituting up to 80% of the total biomass of protists and serving as a crucial component of the food web. Their shell content in certain regions can constitute as much as 95% of the sand composition, highlighting their ecological importance. Additionally, foraminifera are effective indicators for assessing pollution levels in marine environments caused by residential and industrial waste. Their environmental dependency contributes to distinguishing between recent and paleoenvironments, making them essential for understanding ecological conditions.

A study conducted in the Savitri Estuary, located in the northernmost part of the Raigad district in Maharashtra, India, aimed to investigate the distribution and taxonomy of recent benthic foraminifera. The estuarine area is characterized by fertile soils, contributing to its status as the most agriculturally productive land in the region. The study area is classified as part of the Mesotidal Coast, with specific tidal ranges and sedimentary environments influenced by various factors, including tidal range and flocculation processes.

A total of 17 samples were collected from various sites along the Savitri River, encompassing live, surface, and subsurface (shallow core) samples. Foraminiferal analysis involved washing and screening the samples, followed by careful selection and identification of specimens using a stereo microscope. The distribution of foraminiferal species varied across different locations, with species such as Trochammina inflata, Ammodiscus sp., Eggerelloides sp., and Quinqueloculina poeyana being observed. The abundance and distribution patterns of these species provide insights into the ecological conditions and environmental factors influencing the estuarine ecosystem.

Conclusion

The mangrove sediments of the Savitri Estuary have been found to contain dominantly calcareous foraminifera. The most prevalent native foraminiferal species within the mangrove ecosystem is Trochammina inflata. The foraminiferal community exhibits notably low diversity. Diversity peaks at the estuary\'s mouth and diminishes in the upstream areas.The documented collection suggests additional areas for investigation, particularly concerning changes in sea levels and the identification and classification of indigenous as Exotic fauna.

References

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Copyright © 2025 Sanjida Abdulmugni Khan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.