Benthic foraminifera as environmental indicators in the lagoon and mangrove environments of Langkawi, Malaysia

Benthic foraminifera are single-celled protists that highly abundant in marine and marginal environments. They have been successfully used several monitoring studies elucidating the status of environmental health conditions. The present study examines foraminiferal distribution surface sediments Sungai Kilim, within Kilim Geoforest Park, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia. Information provided by benthic were associated with geochemical properties, sediment types, current speed data to characterize environment. Twenty-eight genera identified from samples. Elphidium spp. (relative abundance 13–83%) most genus mangrove lagoon environments along Kilim. Salinity, water depth, temperature important parameters determined distribution. Test abnormalities observed (<10% tests) at stations; a higher quantity abnormal tests (5–6%) stations high speeds, especially areas. areas did not show severe heavy metal contamination; therefore, low diversity test natural stress This information provides baseline for future preserve Park.