Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the potential impact of As, Hg and Pb on the structure of phytoplankton along the central coast of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico. Water samples were collected monthly from October 2022 to July 2023 at six sites with various anthropogenic activities. Cyanobacteria were mainly influenced by silicates, nitrates and ammonium. Diatoms and nanoflagellates were more influenced by phosphates and dissolved oxygen. Dinoflagellates were influenced by pH, Hg, temperature and salinity. Regarding the relationship between phytoplankton groups and heavy metals, a moderate positive correlation was observed (r ≈ 0.47). Although the general correlation between the main phytoplankton groups and the studied metals is weak (r ≈ 0.26), CCA revealed specific patterns of association between phytoplankton groups and certain heavy metals (p > 0.005). Diatoms and nanoflagellates seem to adapt better to environments with Pb and Hg, while dinoflagellates showed a strong association with Hg. On the other hand, cyanobacteria, being more vulnerable to these contaminants, showed a negative relationship with these metals, especially with As.
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