Characterization and evolution of the sediments of a Mediterranean coastal lagoon located next to a former mining area

Abstract

Coastal lagoons are ecosystems that are relatively enclosed water bodies under the influence of both the terrestrial and the marine environment, being vulnerable to human impacts. Human activities, such as mining extraction, are significant anthropogenic coastal stressors that can negatively affect ecosystems and communities. In light of the above, the objective of this research is to examine the influence of metal mining activities on the composition of sediments of a Mediterranean coastal lagoon, named Mar Menor. This paper presents a comprehensive characterization for grain size, mineralogy, geochemistry and organic matter of sediments of this coastal lagoon, investigating their variation along space and time. Sedimentation dynamics are ruling clearly the grain size predominant in each area of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, determining the existence of entrainment, transport and sedimentation areas. For minerals, elements and organic matter, sedimentation dynamics are also determining their distribution.

Long-Term GIS Analysis of Seaside Impacts Associated to Infrastructures and Urbanization and Spatial Correlation with Coastal Vulnerability in a Mediterranean Area

“…In addition, the main biological, chemical, or ecological approach of most of the existing studies in the area has traditionally focused on variables with little connection with the coastal vulnerability of the territory as impact factors (nitrates from agriculture, heavy metals from old mining areas, etc.). Therefore, except for a number of specific and segmented studies in the field of coastal hydrodynamics [68,69], sea level [70], or territorial anthropization [34,47] there was no analysis from the physical perspective of the coastal territory that allows a diagnosis of the global vulnerability in this area.…”

Trends in the Recent Evolution of Coastal Lagoons and Lakes in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula)

“…In recent years, numerous studies have analyzed variations and their implications in the characteristics of lagoons, focusing on issues such as eutrophication. Clear examples of study cases are the analyses performed in the south of Spain [30][31][32], although diverse authors have studied other areas in the Iberian Peninsula [33] and the United Kingdom [34].…”

Long-Term Changes in Sanitary Conditions and Zooplankton Community in the Imboassica Lagoon (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil): Effects of Sandbar Openings

“…These transitional ecosystems with high biodiversity (López-Herrera et al 2021) play a critical role to regulate water flow, nutrient fluxes, and organisms from land and inland waters to the ocean (Newton et al 2014). The main environmental ecosystem services of coastal lagoons include water uses, ecological habitat for numerous commercial species, life quality, and income derived from services, such as tourism and recreation (Anthony et al 2009, Ferreira & Freire 2009, Despite ecological services and uses, human activities in the watershed have resulted in filling up (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005), and nutrient enrichment (Rabalais et al 2009) by deforestation, fertilizers, urban sprawl, and aquaculture (Pérez-Ruzafa et al 2011, García & Muñoz-Vera 2015, especially in developing countries (Fauzi et al 2014). Such conditions promote coastal eutrophication (Middelburg & Levin 2009), one of the most common global change in the last decades (Diaz & Rosenberg 2008), which has resulted in harmful consequences associated with the ecological and sanitary degradation of lagoon waters.…”