Foraminifera as bioindicators of water quality: The FoRAM Index revisited. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prazeres, Martina; Martínez-Colón, Michael; Hallock, Pamela
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 257(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Benthic foraminifera -- Coral reefs -- Monitoring -- Environmental assessment; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Coral reefs worldwide are degrading at alarming rates due to local and global stressors. There are ongoing needs for bioindicator systems that can be used to assess reef health status, the potential for recovery following destructive events such as tropical storms, and for the success of coral transplants. Benthic foraminiferal shells are ubiquitous components of carbonate sediment in reef environments that can be sampled at minimal cost and environmental impact. Here we review the development and application of the FoRAM Index ( FI ), which provides a bioindicator metric for water quality that supports reef accretion. We outline the strengths and limitations of the FI, and propose how it can be applied more effectively across different geographical regions. Graphical abstract: Image 108762 Highlights: FoRAM Index is a powerful water quality management tool in coral reefs. FoRAM Index must be modified to suit location-specific assemblages. Methodological modifications will ensure usability of the index worldwide.