Hydrochemistry and carbonate sediment characterisation of Bacalar Lagoon, Mexican Caribbean
Nidia I. Tobón Velázquez A , Mario Rebolledo Vieyra A C , Adina Paytan B , Kyle H. Broach B and Laura M. Hernández Terrones A D EA Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Unidad Quintana Roo, Unidad de Ciencias del Agua, Calle 8 #39, Lote-1, Manzana 29, Super Manzana 64, 77524 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México.
B Institute of Marine Sciences Earth and Marine Science Building, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
C Present address: Chipre 5, Residencial Isla Azul, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500, México.
D Present address: Universidad del Caribe, Lote-1, Manzana 1, Esquina Fraccionamiento Tabachines, Super Manzana 78, CP 77528 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México.
E Corresponding author. Email: lmhernandez@ucaribe.edu.mx
Marine and Freshwater Research 70(3) 382-394 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18035
Submitted: 15 February 2018 Accepted: 31 July 2018 Published: 23 October 2018
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 Ca2+, HCO3– and Sr2+, derived from groundwater input. In contrast, the eastern part of the lagoon is characterised by high concentrations of Mg2+, 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 (Ba2+, Mn2+, K+, Ni2+, Zn2+) 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 Ni2+, K+, Mn2+ and Ba2+, and that the Zn2+ seems to have a predominantly anthropogenic origin.
Additional keywords: carbonate mineral solubility, groundwater, sediment geochemistry.
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