Work

Impact of water quality on the fish community in wetlands of Yucatan, Mexico

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined how water quality affects the structure and function of fish communities in two coastal wetlands in Yucatán, Mexico. The research was prompted by concerns about the impact of human activities on these biodiverse ecosystems. The objective was to evaluate the influence of water quality on fish distribution, species richness, and diet. From September 2017 to July 2018, sampling was conducted bimonthly in the Progreso and Chicxulub wetlands. Physicochemical water variables were measured, and fish were collected for taxonomic identification and stomach content analysis to determine feeding guilds. The results revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in water quality. Hypersalinity and hypoxia were particularly notable in Chicxulub. A total of 4863 fish individuals representing 20 species were recorded, with higher richness and diversity in Progreso. Fish community metrics were negatively correlated with salinity, total dissolved solids, and ammonium but positively correlated with dissolved oxygen. Fish diets clustered into trophic guilds of piscivores, invertebrate feeders, and primary consumers. Some species, especially Cyprinodon artifrons, showed resilience to extreme conditions and dominated in hypersaline environments during the dry season. Conserving these wetlands is critical due to the presence of endemic and threatened fish species. This study concludes that water quality factors significantly influence the composition of fish communities and trophic dynamics. This has implications for the health of the ecosystem and the conservation of biodiversity due to human activities and climatic pressures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective conservation actions to protect resident and endemic species in these stressed ecosystems.

Source: Journal of Environmental Quality

DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.70327

Authors: D. Arceo‐Carranza, M. A. Flores‐Rivero, C. Robles‐Mendoza

Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Language: English

Topic: Fish Biology and Ecology Studies

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,910