Marine Pollution and Advances in Biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean

Recent studies reveal that Cartagena Bay, a vital coastal ecosystem in Colombia's Caribbean, faces significant marine pollution threats from pollutants such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These contaminants exceed sediment quality guidelines and bioaccumulate, causing damage across trophic levels. The research employs a systematic literature review using RStudio's bibliometrix to analyze pollution impacts on biodiversity over recent decades, while also examining socioeconomic dynamics through the DPSIR framework. Findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened monitoring, policy enforcement, and conservation efforts to mitigate environmental degradation and support decision-making for this historically significant and ecologically sensitive site.

Romero-Murillo, P., Gallego, J., & Leignel, V. (2023). Marine Pollution and Advances in Biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean. Toxics, 11(7), 631. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070631