Abstract

MENDOZA MOJICA, Manuel et al. Characterization of two Mexican tropical Pacific coastal lagoons in relation to carbon contents and emission-sequestration of CH₄ and CO₂. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.2, pp.145-154. ISSN 0188-4999.

The study of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), has a global relevance and their accumulation in the atmosphere by emissions from human activities affect the Earth's radiative balance. Coastal lagoons are considered important reservoirs of carbon, but it is unclear whether they contribute as sources or sinks. This paper presents an estimate of CO₂ and CH₄ water-air fluxes in Chautengo and Tres Palos lagoons in Guerrero, Mexico, during the dry season and also examines the role of those water reservoirs in the carbon emission-sequestration, according to environmental conditions. In Chautengo the average capture of CH₄ was 8.7 mg/m²/day and emission 15.4 mg/m²/day. CO₂ capture was 1001.7 mg/m²/day and emission 2241.5 mg/m²/day. In Tres Palos, the average capture of CH₄ was 127.7 mg/m²/day and the emission 1483.3 mg/m²/day. CO2 capture presented a mean value of 1475 mg/m²/day and emission 95 mg/m²/day. Chautengo presented a balance between capture and emission of CH₄ and CO₂, so it could be considered as a neutral water body based on superficial gas flows. Tres Palos Lagoon can be considered as a source of CH₄ and CO₂ sink during the study period. In bottom water, Chautengo presented 28 mg/L of inorganic carbon (IC) and 18 mg/L of organic (CO). In Tres Palos, the bottom water has 25 mg/L of IC and 28 mg/L of CO.

Keywords : carbon dioxide capture; broadcast; methane; Guerrero; Mexico; source; sink.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )