Impact of coastal engineering on the water quality of the Ria Formosa Lagoon, Portugal

Newton, Alice; Icely, John

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/1944

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Authors

Newton, Alice

Icely, John

Abstract(s)

The Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon in southern Portugal. It is a Ramsar and Natura 2000 site and supports important resources such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Human impacts on the Ria Formosa include urbanization, intensive agriculture, aquaculture, and coastal engineering. In this rare, long-term study of a coastal lagoon, the effects of changes in coastal zone management are documented. Data from studies over 12 years are compared to follow the impact of coastal engineering on the water quality of the lagoon. The studies are: • Prior to the opening of the INDIA inlet • Following the opening of the inlet (prior to the operation of the sewage treatment plant) • After the start of the sewage treatment plant operation Recent modifications to the lagoon appear to have improved the water quality of the western lagoon with respect to dissolved oxygen percentage saturation.