Effect of Maritime Traffic on Water Quality Parameters in Santa Marta, Colombia

René Rodríguez-Grimón,Ítalo Braga Castro,Nestor Hernando Campos

doi:10.3390/jmse9050474

Abstract

Since 2013, there has been an increase (>23%) in naval traffic using maritime routes and ports on the coastal fringe of Santa Marta, Colombia. Of major concern, and described by several studies, is the relationship between maritime traffic and coastal contamination. This study proposed a maritime traffic indicator considering the simultaneous effects of several relevant measurements of water quality parameters to estimate the impact of naval activity. The approach involved developing a model including the number of vessels, hull length, and permanence time in berths. In addition, water quality variables, considering climatic seasons, were used to verify association with maritime traffic and touristic activities. The high concentrations of total coliforms (TC) and dissolved/dispersed petroleum hydrocarbons in chrysene equivalents (DDPH) reported by the International Marina of Santa Marta (SM) were affected by the local anthropic activities, including tourism, naval traffic, and urban wastewater discharges. Moreover, our results suggest the occurrence of multiple chemical impacts within Tayrona National Natural Park (PNNT) affecting conservation goals. The estimation of the maritime traffic indicator proposed in this study may be an easy and more complete tool for future studies evaluating the impact of naval activities on environmental quality.

Highlights

The concentrations of dissolved and dispersed petroleum hydrocarbons related to chrysene equivalents (DDPH) did not exceed the limits allowed for coastal sea waters presenting low contamination levels (> 5 < 10 μg/L) [42]
A similar pattern was already observed in southern EcEcuador, where water quality parameters are affected by rainfall regimes influencing the uador, where water quality parameters are affected by rainfall regimes influencing the local salinity [48]
The high levels of total coliforms (TC) and dispersed petroleum hydrocarbons in chrysene equivalents (DDPH) in SM were explained by the proximity to urban contamination sources associated with intense maritime traffic in Santa Marta bay

Summary

Introduction

Maritime transport is one of the world’s largest economic entrepreneurships accounting for 80% of the world’s commercial trade [1]. At the same time, maritime traffic (MT) is negatively affecting marine environments [2,3]. In urban environments and in marine port cities, pollutant inputs can act together, affecting air quality conditions and water quality parameters. In such locations, terrestrial and maritime traffic associated with industrial complexes, marinas, and commercial ports, have been considered relevant contaminant sources [3,6,14,15,16,17]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion