Changes in recent benthic foraminiferal assemblages of the Nalón estuary (Asturias)

Authors

  • Jon Gardoki Dpto. de Geología, Universidad del País Vasco.
  • Alejandro Cearreta Dpto. de Geología, Universidad del País Vasco.
  • María Jesús Irabien Dpto. de Geología, Universidad del País Vasco.
  • José Gómez-Arozamena Dpto. de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Cantabria
  • Víctor Villasante-Marcos Observatorio Geofísico Central, Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Real Observatorio de Madrid
  • Ane García-Artola Dpto. de Geología, Universidad del País Vasco.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55407/geogaceta99834

Keywords:

benthic foraminifera, radionuclides, environmental magnetism, human impact

Abstract

The recent sedimentary record of the Nalón estuary was analysed using two intertidal cores and dated by 210Pb and 137Cs. The results show for the first time its characteristic benthic foraminiferal assemblages constituted by a total of 46 species, as well as the important changes experienced by these assemblages, in agreement with the environmental magnetism variations, probably due to mining activities since 1850 CE that suggest degraded environmental conditions. These characteristics  persisted for decades, even beyond the closure of the coal and mercury mining activities, until the 21st century, when a slight environmental regeneration process has been observed.

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Published

2022-06-06

How to Cite

Gardoki, J., Cearreta, A., Irabien, M. J., Gómez-Arozamena, J., Villasante-Marcos, V., & García-Artola, A. (2022). Changes in recent benthic foraminiferal assemblages of the Nalón estuary (Asturias). GEOGACETA, 71, 55–58. https://doi.org/10.55407/geogaceta99834

Issue

Vol. 71 (2022): Enero-Junio

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