Worldwide, Puerto Rico it’s considered as one of the countries with significant underground formations of greater size because of the several numbers of ecosystems. It is clear that in Puerto Rico such systems territories are seriously affected by illegal dumps and run-off water between of percolations threats. On that basis, the following question was raised: "<i>How is the quality of water and soil in the subterranean ecosystems of Puerto Rico karst regions?</i>” the hypothesis: “<i>The quality of water and soil in the subterranean ecosystems of Puerto Rico karst regions has contaminants that affect the biodiversity of the same</i>". There were some visits to five caves that have permanent water flows. In addition, each was visually inspected and three points for sample collection of the soil and the water were developed. The samples were transported to the laboratory for analyses of moisture, pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen. At the end of the investigation a high level of nitrate and phosphate indicative of the presence of detergents and fertilizers on the collected samples was observed. The hypothesis in this study was certain. This study will continue in several numbers of underground systems on the island in order to have an idea and clearer documentation about others possible affected aquifers.

Quality of water and soils in the subterranean ecosystems of Puerto Rico

251st National Meeting (2016)

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