Benthic foraminifera as indicators of water renewal in Bertioga estuarine channel (SP, Brazil).

We use benthic foraminifera and hydrography as environmental indicators to characterize the estuarine channel of Bertioga (SP, Brazil). Salinity and temperature measured in four fixed stations (F1-F4) influence differentiation related to species habitat, fluvial discharge, and environmental quality. Tidal oscillation during neap and spring tides changes the Hansen and Rattray stratification-circulation classification from highly stratified (type 2b) to weakly stratified (type 2a).