Abstract

GUTIERREZ MENDIETA, Francisco José; VARONA-CORDERO, Francisco  and  CONTRERAS ESPINOSA, Francisco. Seasonal characterization of the physicochemical conditions of two tropical coastal lagoons of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2006, vol.16, n.2, pp.137-146. ISSN 0188-8897.

The objective of this study was to evaluate in several months, the main environmental variables and the phytoplankton biomass and production of two coastal lagoons in the state of Chiapas, and to determine the possible differences between the two main climatic seasons. The study was carried out during several yearly cycles (1990-1991; 1997-2003). The results show that the discharge of the main rivers flowing into these lagoons determines the establishment of different environmental characteristics during the main climatic seasons, dry and wet. During the dry season, the limited fluvial input, together with the tidal influence, generates stable environmental conditions, characterized by high temperatures and salinities, and high nutrient concentrations which favor high phytoplankton biomass and production. On the contrary, during the wet season, river input diminish salinities and increases nutrients which are used by the phytoplankton, promoting high biomasses and productions. However, due to the low residence time, many of this materials are exported out of the system to the adjacent coastal zone.

Keywords : Seasonal characterization; multiannual; coastal lagoon; Chiapas.

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