Nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for the Yucatan littoral: An approach for groundwater management

作者：ArandaCirerol Nancy^*; Comin Francisco; Herrera Silveira Jorge

来源：Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2011, 172(1-4): 493-505.

DOI：10.1007/s10661-010-1349-z

• Groundwater
• Eutrophication
• Nitrogen
• Yucatan aquifer
• Water management

Human activities have altered the balance of ecosystems to the detriment of natural environments. Eutrophication is a serious risk in Yucatan, a state in the eastern peninsula of M,xico where groundwater supplies the only freshwater to a karst shelf environment. While economic development in Yucatan is increasing, environmental awareness is lagging, and efficient waste treatment systems are lacking. To assess potential nitrogen and phosphorus inputs into the coastal zone of Yucatan, we analyzed government reports and the chemical composition of groundwater and aquaculture wastewater. Swine, poultry, and tourism are revealed as the main continental nutrient sources, while groundwater with high nitrate concentrations is the principal coastal nutrient source, a pattern similar to other river discharges around the world. This study demonstrates that environmental risk management practices must be implemented in the Yucatan region to protect groundwater quality.

• 出版日期2011-1