Ostracods as pollution indicators in Lap An Lagoon, central Vietnam

Southeast Asia is particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of increasing coastal pollution as populations and cities grow at unprecedented rates. Although water chemistry can be monitored, there are greater advantages in using bioindicators reflectors combined effect multiple types on ecosystem health for early detection pollutants biotic systems. This study explores utility application ostracods examines response ostracod assemblages variable Lap An Lagoon, central Vietnam. From 14 sites within lagoon, 79 species 46 genera were identified sediment grain size, total organic carbon, matter heavy metal concentration measured. Cluster analysis, detrended correspondence analysis canonical four distinct biofacies that highly correlated physical environmental variables (salinity, depth, type, concentrations, carbon matter) shown main factors controlling biofacies. Low diversities found silty sediments with concentrations likely toxic. Sinocytheridea impressa was indicative a marginally polluted environment lagoon. provides evidence potential Asian used quality assessments data collected baseline future monitoring. • Baseline lagoon Abundance cosmopolitan benthic more sites. Potential specific bioindicators. Modern from Vietnam, excellent applications throughout Asia.