Analysis of the physicochemical properties of the "La Encantada" lagoon during the rainy season in Lagunas de Montebello National Park, Chiapas

Abstract

This study characterized the physicochemical properties of “La Encantada” lagoon, part of the Lagunas de Montebello National Park (PNLM, Chiapas), during the 2024 rainy season. Three sample points within the lagoon, ranging in depth from 15 to 30 cm, were sampled, with three replicates per point. In situ, pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity were measured, as well as turbidity (FAU), apparent color (Pt-Co), and total suspended solids (TSS). Samples were preserved at 4 °C and reanalyzed ex situ for quality control. In situ results showed an average temperature of 21 ± 2 °C and alkaline pH (9 ± 1). Turbidity was 18–19 FAU and TSS 16–18 mg L-1, with low spatial variation. Conductivity showed heterogeneity: 226 µS cm-1 (A) versus 303–305 µS cm-1 (B–C). Apparent color ranged from 111 Pt-Co (A) to 136 Pt-Co (B). Ex situ, slightly higher temperatures (26.2–26.5 °C) and stable pH (9.16–9.40) were recorded. EC increased to 307–312 µS cm-1; turbidity ranged from 14–21 FAU and color from 105–129 Pt-Co; TSS was 11–17 mg L-1. These findings constitute a basis for evaluating the relationship between hydrometeorological factors, water quality, and microalgal dynamics in the PNLM.