EVALUACION DE LA CONTAMINACION EN LOS SEDIMENTOS DE LA BAHIA DE CIENFUEGOS, CUBA

Abstract

Surface sediment samples were taken during two sampling campaigns in Cienfuegos bay (Cuba). The composition of meiobenthic communities, heavy metals and organic matter (carbón and nitrogen) contents were determined in order to assess the influence of anthropogenic sources in the pollution levels of this system. The results show the terrigenous origin of the sediments from different zones of the bay, which are chacacterized for high organic contents, features of decomposition and unstableness, and low number of taxonomic meiobenthic groups. The lowest meiobenthic densities simultaneously with the highest lead contents, were detected in the proximities of discharge points of urban and/or industrial waste waters.