Rojas-Portilla L. auteur aut IRD Ochoa D. auteur aut IRD Cardich J. auteur aut IRD Silva-Berrospi E. auteur aut IRD Cárdenas-Farfán S. auteur aut IRD Aguirre-Velarde A. auteur aut IRD Carre M. auteur aut IRD Djouraev Irina auteur aut IRD Hidalgo S. auteur aut IRD Gutierrez D. auteur aut IRD Loayza-Muro R. auteur aut IRD Rivera-Ch M. auteur aut IRD Romero P. E. auteur aut IRD Barreto-Meza J. auteur aut IRD Cruz-Acevedo E. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access The accidental release of around 11,000 barrels of crude oil off the central Peruvian coast (11.92 degrees S, 77.18 degrees W) on January 15, 2022, affected similar to 70 km of shoreline. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal variation of metal concentrations in intertidal and subtidal zones from October 2022 to September 2023, and their effects on benthic foraminiferal communities. Metal concentrations were found to exceed background levels established by the Peruvian Environmental Inspection Agency. Although no temporal trends were detected, spatial differences were recorded. Intertidal sites showed enhanced concentrations of V, Fe, Cr, and Mn. Notably, the site closest to the spill (Ventanilla Beach; 11.87 degrees S), recorded the highest concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and As. In the subtidal zone, concentrations increased with water depth and reduced hydrodynamic conditions. The more sheltered site (Punta Mulatos; 11.76 degrees S) had higher Ni, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and As levels compared to the more dynamic site (Bahia Blanca; 11.83 degrees S). Furthermore, a contribution associated with natural rock leaching was detected. These findings suggest that the spill's influence on metal concentration is amplified by low hydrodynamics, low oxygen, high productivity and riverine inputs. Dominant benthic foraminiferal taxa, typical of oxygen-poor environments, were associated with enhanced Cd, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Pb. However, isolating spill effects is challenging due to natural species tolerance and concurrent El Nino conditions affecting oxygen levels and organic matter fluxes. Finally, 18 months after the spill, heavy metals persist in both environments, underscoring the need for long-term monitoring and mitigation. specialized Marine oil spill Heavy metal accumulation Benthic foraminifers Bioindicators Ecological monitoring Peru PEROU PACIFIQUE 038 036 034 90 104459 [18 p.] 2025 2352-4855 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010095009 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104459 2352-4855 [F B010095009] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010095009 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2025-10/010095009.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2025-10-29 2025-11-04 fdi:010095009 fre