Hydrochemistry and carbonate sediment characterisation of Bacalar Lagoon, Mexican Caribbean

Nidia I. Tobón Velázquez, Mario Rebolledo Vieyra, Adina Paytan, Kyle H. Broach, Laura M. Hernández Terrones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of trace and major elements in the water and in the sediments of the south part of the Bacalar Lagoon and to identify the sources of the trace elements and their changes over time. The western part of the lagoon water column is characterised by high concentrations of Ca 2+ , HCO 3 - and Sr 2+ , derived from groundwater input. In contrast, the eastern part of the lagoon is characterised by high concentrations of Mg 2+ , Na + and Cl - . The lagoon is not affected by present-day seawater intrusion. Water column and sediment geochemical analyses performed in Bacalar Lagoon show clear spatial distribution of different parameters. The saturation index of the water column indicates three main groups: (1) a zone oversaturated with regard to aragonite, calcite and dolomite; (2) an undersaturated area where all three minerals are dissolving; and (3) an area with calcite equilibrium and undersaturation with regard to the other minerals. Herein we present the first measurements of trace element (Ba 2+ , Mn 2+ , K + , Ni 2+ , Zn 2+ ) concentrations in carbonates obtained from sediments in Bacalar Lagoon. In order to evaluate whether the trace elements are derived from natural or anthropogenic sources, four pollution indices were calculated. The results confirmed that Bacalar Lagoon sediments are not contaminated with Ni 2+ , K + , Mn 2+ and Ba 2+ , and that the Zn 2+ seems to have a predominantly anthropogenic origin.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)382-394
Number of pages13
JournalMarine and Freshwater Research
Volume70
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • carbonate mineral solubility
  • groundwater
  • sediment geochemistry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Aquatic Science
  • Ecology

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