Physicochemical and physiographic variability of the San Pedro-Vice mangrove ecosystem (Piura-Peru)

Abstract

The San Pedro mangrove ecosystem (Vice-Piura) began its expansion from the "El Niño" event in 1983; It constitutes a refuge and reproduction area for aquatic organisms of commercial importance. Seasonal monitoring was performed, establishing 9 fixed stations (R1, R2, R3, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6), for the evaluation of physicochemical and physiographic parameters. High oxygen values ​​(10.40-13.20 mg / lt). The electrical conductivity (8.89-14.22 mS), the nitrate concentration (> 0. 25 ppm) and the pH (8.0-8.1) reflect phytoplankton activity processes, qualifying the ecosystem as highly productive; the impact factor is the sedimentation of material carried from the upper river course that determines the physiographic characteristics for each environment. The sandy and sandy soil substrate associated with submerged vegetation in the river, silt, silty clay and sandy soil with organic matter in the mangrove, depends directly on the sedimentation processes, directly affecting the establishment of habitat for macroinvertebrates. This ecosystem presents high heterogeneity of habitat and spatio-temporal instability regarding its physicochemical and physiographic characteristics.