Analysis of the Physicochemical Properties of “La Encantada” Lagoon During the Rainy Season in Lagunas de Montebello National Park, Chiapas

Resumen

Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of “La Encantada” Lagoon, located within Lagunas de Montebello National Park (PNLM), during the 2024 rainy season.

Design/methodology/approach: Three sampling points (A, B and C) were established within the lagoon at depths of 15–30 cm, with three replicates per site. In situ measurements included pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC), as well as turbidity, apparent color, and total suspended solids (TSS). Samples were preserved at 4 °C and subsequently reanalyzed ex situ to ensure analytical quality control and measurement consistency.

Results: In situ measurements showed turbidity values ranging from 18–19 FAU and TSS from 16–18 mg L⁻¹, with low spatial variability across the lagoon. EC exhibited spatial heterogeneity, with lower values at site A (226 µS cm⁻¹) compared to sites B–C (303–305 µS cm⁻¹). Apparent color ranged from 111 Pt-Co (A) to 136 Pt-Co (B).

Ex situ analyses recorded slightly higher temperatures (26.2–26.5 °C) and stable alkaline pH values (9.16–9.40). EC increased to 307–312 µS cm⁻¹, while turbidity ranged from 14–21 FAU and apparent color from 105–129 Pt-Co. TSS concentrations varied between 11–17 mg L⁻¹.

Study limitations/implications: These findings establish a scientific baseline for assessing the interactions among hydrometeorological drivers, water quality parameters, and microalgal community dynamics within PNLM.

Findings/conclusions: The results indicate that the lagoon exhibits persistent alkaline conditions and reduced optical water quality during the rainy season. This environmental setting promotes eutrophication processes and potential alterations in trophic structure, consistent with reported occurrences of microalgal proliferation in “La Encantada” Lagoon. Furthermore, these findings establish a scientific baseline for assessing the interactions among hydrometeorological drivers, water quality parameters, and microalgal community dynamics within PNLM.