Chemistry of coastal stream and lagoon water from Puerto Rico - 2021-2024

Water samples were collected from coastal streams and lagoons in Puerto Rico from February 2021 to March 2024 as part of ongoing coastal ecosystem monitoring. These samples were analyzed at the University of New Hampshire Water Quality Analysis Laboratory for comprehensive water chemistry including field parameters, major ions, nutrients, dissolved gases, and trace metals. Sampling sites included Quebrada Fajardo (QFJO) at multiple depths and distances upstream, Quebrada Pitahaya (Qpaya), Laguna Pitahaya (LPYHA), Luquillo streams (LUQA, LUQB), and Laguna Cartagena (LCART).

Field measurements included pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, and atmospheric pressure. Laboratory analyses encompassed dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), nutrients (NH4-N, PO4-P, NO3-N), major ions (Cl, SO4, Na, K, Mg, Ca), dissolved gases (CH4, CO2, N2O), and trace metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis. The ICP analysis provided enhanced detection capabilities for metals including silver, aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, silicon, and strontium.

Samples were collected as grab samples from the water surface. All samples were filtered through pre-combusted Whatman GF/F glass fiber filters prior to analysis. Values below detection limits are recorded as 1/2 the detection limit.

This dataset provides comprehensive water quality data for Puerto Rican coastal watersheds, with particular focus on stratified sampling in Quebrada Fajardo to understand vertical water column structure and biogeochemical processes in coastal environments influenced by both terrestrial and marine inputs.