Organic matter and nutrients in an altered subtropical marsh system, Chiricahueto, NW Mexico

Abstract.

Seven sediment push-cores were extracted from Chiricahueto, a marsh affected by urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. Concentrations of total phosphorus (300–1,620 µg g^–1), organic carbon (4–39 mg g^–1) and total nitrogen (0.5–4.5 mg g^–1) in the sediments showed an exponential decrease with depth, related to the decomposition of organic matter (OM). Between 20 and 40% of OM initially deposited is degraded at the sediment-water interface under oxic conditions. Another fraction (40–60%) of non-refractory OM is decomposed within the sediments by oxidants other than oxygen. Likewise, the preservation of OM (<20%) was estimated as burial concentrations of C, N and P linked to organic compounds. The C/N ratios, δ ¹³C and δ ¹⁵N suggested that the major source of OM to the sediments derives from marine phytoplankton. The allochthonous sources of OM were overprinted by the high flux of marine autochthonous OM. However, an indirect terrestrial influence is recognised, in which high nutrient load derived from agricultural, domestic and industrial activities promoted high productivity.