Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of water in the mangroves

This study evaluated the water quality of the mangrove ecosystem in the Wildlife Conservation Management Unit (WCMU) "La Solución Somos Todos," located in the ejido Nicolás Bravo Segunda Sección, Paraíso, Tabasco. The objective was to assess key physicochemical and microbiological parameters relevant to the conservation and management of water resources. Water samples were collected from wells and surface water bodies and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, color, hardness, total suspended solids (TSS), alkalinity, and coliform bacteria, as well as nitrates, heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Water sampling was conducted in September 2024, and the samples were sent to a laboratory for the required analyses. Results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals were within permissible limits; however, their accumulation could pose long-term risks to the ecosystem and the species that depend on it. Elevated BOD and COD levels reflect a significant organic load, likely associated with both the mangrove’s high primary productivity and nearby human activities, such as restaurants in Puerto Ceiba. This analysis underscores the need to implement continuous monitoring and sustainable management strategies to prevent cumulative negative impacts and ensure the conservation of this vital ecosystem.