| dc.description.abstract | Stratigraphic profiles of two sediment cores stationed at Loperen are analyzed to distinguish temporal changes of accumulation rates of total organic carbon (TOC) in at least the last four centuries. The aim is to investigate potential anthropogenic influences that have impacted the water quality in the area by monitoring these trends, including carbon-nitrogen ratios (C/N), heavy metals analysis, and micropaleontological assessment of benthic faunal taxa. The trends of metal concentration peaks and radiometric dating to approximate the absolute and relative age of the cores. TOC content is residue of past biota that can have an affect on marine primary production, eutrophication, oxygen conditions and finally benthic fauna. TOC in recent years has increased at Loperen, in the Hvaler area. Reaching a “moderate status” in table 4-1, with accumulation of > 2.7 % TOC in 2018 and 2019. Micropaleontological assessment of species of benthic foraminifera are indicators for ecological quality status (EcoQS) that aid as a proxy for relative changes in the quality of the bottom water of the channel. These methods are useful to correlate reference conditions to present-day of Loperen and the surrounding areas. | en_US |