Lichtgedanken 03

Rubrik 72 With his research project on ostracods and foraminifera as bioindicators, Mauro Alivernini won »GEO«’s 2016 expedition grant. The 31-year-old geologist was chosen from among more than 50 competitors from all over Germany. Alivernini used the 10,000 euros for a trip to Ghana, during which he and two colleagues took extensive sediment samples for the current analyses. Two jour- nalists from »GEO« magazine accompanied the Italian scientist for several days during his field work in Africa. The magazine will report on the young researcher’s work in one of its next issues. B A C K G R O U N D nitoring, for example in Norway,« says Alivernini. The researchers now want to make this possible in Ghana as well, because the method is simple, but very effective and—what is more—cheap. Inventory of the microfauna All one needs is an average optical microscope and knowledge of the typi- cal composition of the local microfauna. The researchers used their expedition to Ghana to prepare a precise invento- ry of the ostracod and foraminifera fauna in the coastal waters. Some of the sedi- ment samples are currently being ana- lysed by scientists from the University of Accra. Other samples are being ana- lysed by Alivernini and his colleagues in Jena, under the direction of micropa- laeontologist Peter Frenzel. Initial results from the heavily polluted region around Accra show a multitude of deformations in foraminifera shells. »We’ve never seen anything like it befo- re,« remarks Alivernini. The aim is now to document the spread and ecology of the bioindicators for the Ghanaian coastal region, and assess the current environmental situation. »Over the long term we want to develop a moni- toring programme for the West African coast, based on ostracods and foramini- fera ,« says Alivernini of the group’s fu- ture plans. Local people help the researchers from Jena to load the inflatable boat and equipment near Keta Lagoon in the east of the country. Beach strewn with rubbish near the Ghanaian capital Accra. The ground is sealed by a thick layer of oil, which prevents rainwater from seeping away. Here too, Mauro Alivernini took sediment samples: within just a few minutes, the researcher sank up to his thighs in the mud. It was only with a great effort that he managed to free himself from the soft soil, which offers no support. Locals report that every year, a number of people simply disappear into this morass.