Distribution of Microflora, Meiofauna, and Macrofauna Assemblages in the Hypersaline Environment of Northeastern Aegean Sea Coasts

Abstract

In this study, the morphology and taxonomy of microflora (charophytes and diatoms), meiofauna (benthic foraminifera and ostracoda), and macrofauna (mollusk) assemblages of the recent surface sediments from saltpans, hypersaline lagoons, and salt lakes of the Gulf of Saros (NW Turkey) were investigated. In total, 44 samples were collected from recent surface sediments in salt pans, hypersaline lagoons, and salt lakes of the Gulf of Saros (Enez Salt Lake, Isik Lake, Kuvalak Lake, Enez Gala Lake, Dalyan Lake, and Tasalti Lake; Karagol, Vakif, and Erikli salt pans; and Uzungol Lagoon), Gallipoli Peninsula (salt pan), Biga Peninsula (Diremin and Azmak Lagoons and Dalyan Salt Lake), and Gokceada Island (salt lake). Surface sediments were collected, and some physical properties were measured, such as temperature, pH, and salt content. Grain size was determined and classified for each sample. In this study, foraminifera, ostracoda, and mollusca faunas in the normal marine environment were used as indicators and compared with the lagoonal environment, which has increased salt content during the summer months.