Volume 51
Distribution of Nutrients in the Phosphorescent Bay at La Parguera, on the Southwest Coast of Puerto Rico
Authors
Sanjuan, A.E.; González, J.G. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 1998
Pages: 451-456
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty First Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: St. Croix
Country: US Virgin Islands
Abstract
Organic matter is of great importance in the marine environment as it is the source of electrons that drives most biologically mediated redox reactions. As a result, the biogeochemical cycle of organic matter has a great influence on the cycles of these biologically active elements. This study examines the distribution and concentrations of nutrients (N0:3-, N02- P043-, Si042- and NH4+) in a phosphorescent bay at La Parguera on the southwest coastal of Puerto Rico, including the redox potential in sediments. Water samples and sediments were obtained at eight stations selected based on observations of phytoplankton concentration. The analysis data demonstrate significant differences (P < 0.05) in nutrient concentration. Stations with high phytoplankton concentrations were associated to high levels of nutrients, with spatial and temporal patterns. Low redox potential and high organic matter in sediments are related to these stations. These observations suggest that ammonification could be a key process in the release of nitrogen from the sediments to the water column required to maintain a high primary productivity in the bay.