Spatial distribution of light and nutrients in some coral reefs of Costa Rica during January 1997
Rev. biol. trop
;
49(Supl.2): 251-263, dic. 2001. mapas, graf, tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-502391
ABSTRACT
The proximity of coral reefs to areas of present and future coastal development in Costa Rica highlights the need for assessing environmental conditions important to maintaining healthy corals. In January 1997 a survey of light penetration, inorganic nutrient concentrations, temperature, and salinity was conducted in the patch reefs of Bahía Culebra (Pacific Ocean) and on the Caribbean coast in the fringing reef at Parque Nacional Cahuita and near Limón. Temperature was 28 degrees C at all sites, and salinity ranged from 33 to 36 psu. Light attenuation coefficients ranged from 0.12 to 0.29 m(-1) in reef areas. Seawater nutrient concentrations were within the range of concentrations reported for tropical reef waters; combined NO3- and NO2- and PO4(3-) were each below 1 microM. NH4+ ranged from 0.2 to 7 microM, representing a significant source of nitrogen. The ratio of total dissolved inorganic nitrogen to phosphate averaged 27 for all reef waters. The high nitrate (3.6 microM) and light attenuation (0.95 m(-1)) values from the surface waters of the La Estrella plume (Caribbean coast) show that this river represents a significant source of nitrogen and light attenuation for the neighboring reefs at Cahuita. This survey provides a useful baseline for future studies, which should monitor these important coastal coral reef areas during both wet and dry seasons.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Organic Chemicals
/
Temperature
/
Sodium Chloride
/
Anthozoa
/
Light
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
Central America
/
Costa Rica
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. biol. trop
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Tropical Medicine
Year:
2001
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Costa Rica
/
United States
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidad de Costa Rica/CR
/
Western Washington University/US
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