Physical-chemical conditions in coastal waters of the Gulf of Arauco

Abstract

The marine and coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Arauco (GA) undergo intense biological resource extraction and diverse anthropogenic activities, which supply subtances of varied nature, persistence, and toxicity to the water column, affecting the environmental conditions of the coastal system. To determine the existence of spatio-temporal differences in characteristic parameters of the water column, samples were obtained from the surface and bottom of the water column, which were analyzed using validated techniques for the marine matrix. The results shows that nutrient availability is influenced by seasonal factors, with higher concentrations during spring-summer in bottom layers and lower concentrations in winter due to vertical mixing. Metals and organic compounds shows temporal variations and between surface and bottom layers, without spatial differences, and concentrations do not represent an environmental risk. The general distribution patterns are explained mainly by continental inputs and seasonal processes, without evident anthropogenic alterations that are affecting the quality of the waters of the GA.