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¹ Celal Bayar University, Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Campus of Muradiye, 45140, Manisa, Turkey DOI : 10.4194/1303-2712-v15_2_42 Viewed : 4490 - Downloaded : 4300 The spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts was studied, with the purpose of understanding the impact from industrial pollution and sediment characteristics. Eight surface sediment samples were collected to analysis of the spatial distribution of dinoflagellate cysts from two industrially polluted areas: Aliağa and Nemrut Bay (Eastern Mediterranean). A total of 42 dinoflagellate cyst morphotype were identified and total cyst abundance ranged between 11 and 2543 cyst g-1 dry weight sediment at sampling points. The cyst assemblages were represented by cyst of Gymnodinium nolleri, Alexandrium affine type and Lingulodiniumma chaerophorum. The higher cyst concentration was recorded at mostly Aliağa Bay stations however the higher cyst diversity was found at Nemrut Bay stations. Total cyst concentration and autotrophic cyst concentration indicated metal pollution in the sampling areas whereas total number of cysts had no correlation with any metal levels in the sediment except Cr. The distribution of dinoflagellate cysts also showed correlation with sediment structure in Aliağa and Nemrut Bay. Keywords : Resting cyst, heavy metals, sediment, Eastern Mediterranean