Abstract

TIRADO, Omar; MANJARREZ, Ganiveth  and  DIAZ, Claudia. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CIENAGA DE LA QUINTA LOCATED IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA, 2009 - 2010. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2011, vol.14, n.2, pp.131-139. ISSN 0123-4226.

Cartagena de Indias shows a diversity of marine ecosystems, that turns it into an significant town in Colombia. The marsh "la Quinta" is one of the water bodies comprising the ocean water lagoon system of Cartagena, having its own hydric dynamics toward the "Bazurto" market, with a speed of approximately 0.06m/s, rate which is very low to disperse pollutants. This water body has acted as a final disposal of waste coming from the Bazurto market, therefore sedimentation and pollution from solid and liquid waste is actually evident. Equally it generates offensive odors, vectors and causes serious social problems in its surroundings. The environmental characterization of this ecosystem was carried out through an exploratory study, using physical-chemical indicators, microbiological ones for water characterization, classification of soil strata and quantification of heavy metals. It is notable to highlight that the concentrations of dissolved oxygen, fecal coliforms, organic matter and heavy metals, affect the water quality and exceeds the permitted limits acceptable for the preservation of flora and fauna in marine waters. Also the conditions of natural moisture and soil organic material content are elevated, generating compressible situation, evidence of land fillings and layers of decaying mangrove.

Keywords : Marsh; coliforms; heavy metals.

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