Resumen del producto

Nutrient inputs associated with population growth threaten the integrity of coastal ecosystems. To assess the rapid increase in tourism, we compared D15N from Thalassia testudinum collected at sites with different levels of tourism development (Mahahual, Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Bahia Akumal and Xa’ak) to detect the N inputs of wastewater discharge (WD) along the coast of Quintana Roo. The contributions of nitrogen enriched in 15N are directly related to the increase of WD inputs in areas of tourism development (Nichupte Lagoon) and they decreased towards Bahia Akumal and Xa’ak. The D15N from T. testudinum was significantly lower at Mahahual and Puerto Morelos. These two sites may be used for baseline isotopic monitoring where tourist activities are growing and where the Costa Maya development can lead to environmental pressure on the reef lagoon ecosystem. The anthropogenic N input has the potential to impact, both environmentally and economically, the seagrass meadows and the coral reefs along the coast of Quintana Roo and the Caribbean.

Palabras clave: seagrass; Thalassia testudinum; Stable nitrogen isotope; N input

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