Características físico-químicas y ficológicas de dos lagunas naturales de la ciénaga Cienfuegos, ciénaga de Zapata

Abstract

One of the main threats to biodiversity and to other natural resources of the Peninsula of Zapata is the chemical pollution of its waters. Albertico and Las Piedras natural ponds of this ecosystem, selected for this search, are located in the proximity of Covadonga town. The Albertico pond is near the irrigation area of residuals coming from the industrial complex located in the town, including an alcohol distillery and it is exposed to this area too. Las Piedras pond is characterized by a great variability of its water volume. The aim of this study was to characterize the physical-chemical variables and the phytoplankton of such ponds, exposed to different anthropogenic levels. The samples were taken in July and November, 2008 and February, 2009. The physical-chemical characteristics of the water from the Albertico pond as well as their algae microflora, including the presence of toxic species, were typical of freshwaters deteriorated by environmental conditions. Las Piedras pond showed better water quality, according to its physical-chemical and algological composition, as well as its eutrophic and saprobiological indexes. All these variables were also dependent on the hydrological regimen, and the greatest affectations took place for the lowest levels of water.