Analysis of coral reef water quality in Punta Sal, Honduras.

Abstract

Coral reefs, essential for marine biodiversity, face threats such as pollution, climate change and natural phenomena. This paper analyzes water quality in Tela Bay, Atlántida, Honduras, where Capiro Reef is located. For this purpose, sampling was carried out in three zones (A, B and C) to evaluate water quality at different distances from the coast. The parameters evaluated included: pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand and fecal coliforms. The results indicated that point A, near the Lancetilla River, has a marginal quality index of 63.1, i.e., frequent deterioration. At points further away (B and C), the index improves slightly, but still reveals the presence of contaminants, such as nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand, which exceed the established limits. The analysis details how factors such as the presence of excessive nutrients, pathogens and ocean acidification negatively affect the health of these ecosystems.