Environmental characterization of the estuarine zone of the Gulf of Montijo, province of Veraguas, Panama

A recent study in the Gulf of Montijo, Panama, reveals concerning levels of cadmium in marine sediments along its western coast. The research found cadmium concentrations exceeding Canadian marine sediment quality guidelines, suggesting potential anthropogenic impacts on this ecologically significant estuarine zone. The study analyzed physical and chemical parameters—temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity—across 16 sampling stations during specific tidal phases to assess spatial and vertical variability. Additionally, four sediment samples were collected from the western sector to evaluate heavy metal contamination. The findings highlight the need for continuous, seasonally representative monitoring with expanded station coverage to better understand and mitigate environmental degradation in this Ramsar-designated buffer zone of Coiba National Park.

García, A. L., Araúz, D., Martínez, E., & Molino, J. (2023). Environmental characterization of the estuarine zone of the Gulf of Montijo, province of Veraguas, Panama. Plos One, 18(6), e0283606. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283606