Benthic foraminifera distribution in a tourist lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A response to anthropogenic impacts

► Foraminifera and ostracodes in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon are dwarf and corroded. ► The Ammonia tepida - Elphidium excavatum foraminiferal assemblage indicates pollution. ► There are high levels of organic matter and heavy metals in the northern area. ► The least impacted area is close to the entrance in the southern area. ► Agglutinated Ammobaculites dilatatus and Ammotium salsum occur near the entrance.