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THE ECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO ESTUARIES
Citation:
MACAULEY, J. M., L. C. HARWELL, AND H. V. ALAFITA. THE ECOLOGICAL CONDITION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO ESTUARIES. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT. Springer, New York, NY, 133(1-3):177-185, (2007).
Impact/Purpose:
Sampling results of estuaries in Veracruz, Mexico
Description:
During June and July, 2002, forty-seven stations were sampled within estuaries along the gulf coast of the state of Veracruz, MX, using a probabilistic survey design and a common set of response indicators. The objective of the study was to collect information to assess the condition of estuarine waters within the state of Veracruz, and to provide data that will strengthen future assessments of Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Samples for water quality, sediment contaminants, sediment toxicity, and benthic populations were collected in a manner consistent with EPA’s National Coastal Assessment. Data were evaluated by comparing indicator measurements to threshold values cited in US EPA’s National Coastal Condition Report II, 2004, for tropical waters. In Veracruz, seventy six percent of the area sampled rated poor for water quality, attributed primarily to high concentrations reported for chlorophyll a, and dissolved nutrients. One percent of the area exhibited poor sediment quality, with PAH and metal contaminant concentrations contributing to the score. Compared to conditions in the US portion of the Gulf of Mexico, the problems are similar with greater emphasis on nutrient over-enrichment. The probabilitistic nature of the survey design allowed for the comparison of the conditions found in Veracruz with those in other regions, such as the US GOM.