Water quality in the eastern karst region of the Yucatan Peninsula: nutrients and stable nitrogen isotopes in turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum

摘要: Water quality in the Mexican Caribbean is affected by increases tourism infrastructure and poor wastewater treatment. Additionally, karst geomorphology facilitates infiltration of organic matter to subterranean water coastal fresh that originates from submarine groundwater discharges (SGDs), altering environment. The grows at different rates along coast, characterizing zones with diverse levels impact. aim this work was measure nutrient concentrations superficial evaluate through a gradient intermediate- (Riviera Maya) low-tourism (Costa development regions. Furthermore, study aimed compare measured ecological criteria 001/89 (CE-CCA-001/89), detect possible contributions SGDs, determine whether nitrogen (N) sources are anthropogenic using stable isotopes seagrass Thalassia testudinum. According results, (ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate) differed significantly between Riviera Maya Costa (P = 0.0001). Sites such as Shambala, Chavez, Tankah, Mahahual 2, Tulum, Akumal, Xahuayxol exceeded upper set CE-CCA-001/89. Chavez were influenced SGDs. isotope ratio Akumal Tulum coast shows they under N loading derived sewage percentage δ15N Mahahual, showing these sites suffer due sewage. Our recommends continuous monitoring characterization SGD regulate, treat, dispose