Riverine input of particulate material and inorganic nutrients to a coastal reef ecosystem at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Reasons for the alarming global coral reef destruction can often be found on land (ISRS, 2004). Agricultural activities accompanied by land clearing, fertilization, use of pesticides, and urbanization or tourism expansion along with enhanced sewage and waste production are of concern (ISRS, 2004). Rivers and groundwater carry high loads of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants to the sea, where they can have serious impacts on nearshore ecosystems such as coral reefs (Cortés and Risk, 1985; Guzmán and Jiménez, 1992; Rogers, 1990; Fabricius, 2005).

TALENTO COSTA RICA