Seawater quality assessment of the marine ecosystem of Punta Galeta in Panama

Abstract

Seawater quality was described in the Caribbean coast of Panama based on water physicochemical parameters and biological monitoring studies. Samples of water and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected near Punta Galeta, Province of Colón, Panama. The sampling area was sheltered from the action of waves and located between the coral reef and mangroves. Class Polychaeta was themost abundant with 90 % overall presence in Punta Galeta. Taxonomic classes of Bivalvia, Malacostraca and Ophiuroidea only represented 10 % altogether. Overall, seawater quality was suitable for the collected species of macroinvertebrates, even though concentrations of nitrateand phosphate were above the recommended value. Recorded values of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen indicated that the site is far from reaching hypoxic conditions. Water quality index indicates a good water quality at Punta Galeta. Further studies with more robust and intense sampling programs are required to properly define the seasonal variations of water quality and its link to benthic macroinvertebrates. Similar studies in the Caribbean of Panama are scarce even though they offer valuable information for water resource administrators.