Analysis of Foraminifera Test Chemistry and Sediment Characteristics from Munambam to Kuzhupilly Beach, Ernakulam: Implications on Environmental Anomalies
Akshay S a,
Anand S a,
Honey H. Das b,
Mohammed Noohu Nazeer c
a Department of Geology, Maharajas College, Ernakulam, 682011
b Geochemistry Lab, Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics, CUSAT, 682016
c Sedimentology Lab, Department of Marine Geology and Geophysics, CUSAT, 682016
Abstract
Thirty sediment samples were collected from the Cochin shoreline between Munambam and Kuzhupilly Beach to examine the distribution and shell chemistry of foraminifera, sediment characteristics, and their implications for environmental anomalies. The only recorded foraminifera species from the investigated area is Ammonia beccarii. Calcium carbonate, sand, silt, and clay proportions were analyzed to determine textural characteristics. The calcium carbonate content is attributed to fragmented molluscan shells along with the abundance of Ammonia beccarii. Ilmenite, monazite, zircon, pyroxene, chlorite, hornblende, garnet, and staurolite were identified as significant heavy minerals in the study area. Sample MB19 exhibited chemical anomalies in both foraminifera and heavy mineral grains. MB19 is characterized by dominantly dark-colored sediments, relatively higher silt percentage, and the presence of bromine (Br) in sediment grains. EDS analysis of Ammonia beccarii detected thulium (Tm), a rare earth element, in the test at location MB19. It was observed that stone revetments installed to control coastal erosion undergo weathering, contribute sediments to the beach, and influence the local ecosystem.
Keywords
Foraminifera; Heavy Minerals; Textural Characteristics; Cochin Coast; Elemental Analysis
How to Cite
Akshay, S., Anand, S., Das, H. H., & Nazeer, M. N. (2026). Analysis of Foraminifera Test Chemistry and Sediment Characteristics from Munambam to Kuzhupilly Beach, Ernakulam: Implications on Environmental Anomalies. Journal of Integrated Earth Sciences, 1(1), 104–111. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18615932