Cumulative impact of anthropogenic nutrient inputs on lagoon ecosystems — A case study of Xincun Lagoon, Hainan, China

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities have a more complex and intense cumulative impact on lagoons than on other coastal areas. This study focuses on Xincun Lagoon, Hainan, China, which has been affected by both terrestrial and marine anthropogenic activities. The inputs of nutrients from human sources serve as the most significant driver for the structural and functional degradation of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. To improve the remediation of Xincun Lagoon and promote the restoration of its ecological environment, the authors investigate the cumulative impacts of human-related nutrient inputs to the lagoon and perform an allocation analysis of the environmental capacity of areas in the lagoon under the high cumulative impact. The results show that an area surrounding a mangrove ecosystem was subjected to the highest cumulative impact from nutrient inputs, and requires remediation to maintain and promote the healthy development of the mangrove ecosystem.