The Impact Of Human Activities On A Lagoon Ecosystem On The Chiapas–Oaxaca Coast, Mexico: A Physicochemical Approach

Abstract

Water bodies in Mexico face growing environmental stress due to insufficiently treated wastewater and the runoff of agrochemicals—particularly fertilizers—from intensive agricultural activities. This issue is especially pronounced in coastal and estuarine systems, where contaminants accumulate before entering the marine environment, triggering significant ecological and socioeconomic consequences. The Mar Muerto Lagoon, situated along the Pacific coast shared by Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico, illustrates this challenge. This coastal lagoon supports artisanal fisheries that serve as a key source of livelihood for local communities. However, in recent years, a noticeable decline in fishery productivity has raised concerns about its ecological integrity. To assess water quality and spatial dynamics, 35 samples were collected and analyzed for five physicochemical parameters. The results revealed three distinct environmental zones—estuarine, transitional, and marine—associated with hydrological variation and phytoplankton succession. These findings highlight the pressing need for integrated management strategies to safeguard this vulnerable ecosystem.