Deep-sea foraminifera from the Cassidaigne Canyon (NW Mediterranean): Assessing the environmental impact of bauxite red mud disposal

► We examine benthic foraminifera from two sites along the Cassidaigne Canyon. ► Both areas are contaminated by bauxite red mud enriched in Fe, Ti, V and Cr. ► A very low foraminiferal diversity is recorded close to the pipe outlet. ► Red mud deposition is a source of hydro-sedimentary pollution for benthic life. ► Foraminiferal test chemistry shows no bioavailability of metal contaminants.