Distribution of Dissolved Trace Metals Around the Sacrificos Coral Reef Island, in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A reef system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is affected by anthropogenic activities, sourced by urban, fluvial, and sewage waters. Dissolved metals have higher concentrations during the rainy season. V and Pb, were derived from an industrial source and transported to the study area by rain water. On the other hand, Jamapa River is the main source for Cu and Ni, which carries dissolved elements from adjacent volcanic rocks. Principal Component Analysis shows a common source for dissolved nitrogen, phosphates, TOC, and suspended matters probably derived from a sewage treatment plant, which is situated near to the study area.

Heavy Metals in Muscle Tissue of Pterois volitans from the Veracruz Reef System National Park, Mexico

“…Through this behavior, it can be observed that contaminants are spread across the reef park. Their presence can be explained by the permanent outflows of La Antigua river in the North, the Papaloapan river in the South, and the Jamapa river in the central part; the storm water discharges on the coast line near the reefs [25,26]; and urban wastewater streams from local treatment plants [27]. All these streams are subject to marine currents near the coastline [28], these currents apparently drag pollutants continuously between the reefs of the VRSNP [29].…”

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“…In inter-reef terrigenous sediments, total content of Cu recorded was 5.9-20.9 µg g -1 and Pb 5.3-42.4 µg g -1 (Rosales-Hoz et al, 2007). In dissolved phase of surface water, 1.8 µg L -1 for Cu and 0.49 µg L -1 for Pb were reported (Rosales-Hoz et al, 2009). Morlán-Cahue and Opengo-Piña (2005), recorded Pb concentration in some MA of the chlorophyte group, Halimeda opuntia 52.7-68.0 µg g -1 and Halimeda discoidea 65.2-76.2 µg g -…”

“…En sedimentos terrígenos inter-arrecifales el contenido total de Cu registrado fue de 5.9-20.9 µg g -1 y de Pb 5.3-42.4 µg g -1 (Rosales-Hoz et al, 2007). En fase disuelta de agua superficial se reportaron 1.8 µg L -1 para Cu y 0.49 µg L -1 para Pb (Rosales-Hoz et al, 2009). Morlán-Cahue y Opengo-Piña (2005) registraron la concentración de Pb en algunas MA del grupo de las clorofitas, Halimeda opuntia 52.7-68.0 µg g -1 y Halimeda discoidea 65.2-76.2 µg g -1 .…”

Impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the diversity of shallow stony corals in the Veracruz Reef System National Park

“…However, the continuous degradation led the closing of this reef to the tourism in 1982 (Horta-Puga and Barba-Santos 2006). Currently, the Sacrificos reef is directly affected by pollutants of the port and the City of Veracruz, as well as the sewage discharges of the treatment plant at Bahía de Vergara, located near the port (Rosales-Hoz et al, 2009).…”