Articles | Volume 23, issue 16
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-5879-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-5879-2026
Research article
 | 
25 Aug 2026
Research article |  | 25 Aug 2026

Geochemical characteristics of suspended particulate matter around Piscadera Bay and its influence on nearshore ecosystems, Curaçao (Caribbean Sea)

Virginia Sánchez Barranco, Nienke C. J. van de Loosdrecht, Furu Mienis, Jasper M. de Goeij, Rick Hennekam, Gert-Jan Reichart, Jan-Berend W. Stuut, and Lennart J. de Nooijer

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Geochemical characteristics of SPM around Piscadera Bay, Curacao Sánchez Barranco, Virginia https://doi.org/10.25850/nioz/7b.b.2j

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Short summary
We studied how pollution from bays in Curaçao reaches nearby coral reefs and changes with seasons. By collecting suspended particulate matter at different locations during dry and wet seasons, we found that sheltered reefs receive more fine particles and pollutants, especially during rainy months, while exposed reefs are less affected. This shows that both location and seasonal rainfall determine reef vulnerability, highlighting the hidden impacts of human activity on these fragile ecosystems.
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