Nutrient Variation during a Tidal Cycle at the Mouth of a Coastal Lagoon in the Northwest of Mexico

Abstract

Tidal currents and inorganic nutrients (PO~-, NO; and NO;) were measured during a tidal cycle at the main mouth of Magdalena Bay, Mexico, to determine diel fluctuations. Nutrient concentrations increased during high tide and decreased during ebb tide. Magdalena Bay, can be considered as a system dependent on nutrient supply from neighbouring coastal waters where a cycle develops with oxydized forms of nutrient elements being carried into this coastal body and reduced forms being carried out.