Aquatic microdiversity from urban cenotes in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

By

Díaz-Hernández, Job Alí
Ugalde-Silva, Paul
Berriozabal-Islas, Christian
Novelo Retana, Alejandro.
Hernandez-Uc, Jaqueline
Arana-May, Abigail
Pech-Patrón, Sheila
Nava-Jiménez, Iris Aurora
Borbolla-Vazquez, Jessica

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

46

Pages

129--145

Subjects

Microdiversity , Phytoplankton , Protists , urban cenotes

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.46.108082

 

Abstract

The microdiversity of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico has been little studied, with the phytoplankton and protists being the most representative species. However, all previous studies have been focused on cenotes associated with touristic activities, leaving a gap in the understanding of cenotes located within urban areas. The present study is dedicated to the identification of phytoplankton and protists in the cenotes of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. We conducted our research in four urban cenotes, collecting samples using a 150 µm plankton net, filtering them with a 45 µm membrane, and examining them under optical microscopy. Subsequently, we calculated the abundance, richness, and completeness of the samples. Our findings revealed a total of 6 phyla, 4 subphyla, 10 classes, 8 subclasses, 15 orders, 15 families, 18 genus, and 17 species and 4 species indeterminata in the cenotes of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Among these, there were 8 species of phytoplankton and 1 species indeterminata, while 9 species of protists and 3 species indeterminata. These results highlight the remarkable species richness and the complex structure and composition of urban cenotes, suggesting that some species may be unique to this particular ecosystem. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the behavior of these aquifers (urban cenotes), and a comprehensive inventory or characterization of their microdiversity is lacking. Such information could be instrumental in the management, conservation, and sustainable use of these valuable aquifers.