Effects of Wastewater from a Desalination Plant on a Marine Grassland in Santa Maria, Villa Clara, Cuba

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of a desalination plants waste discharge on the adjacent marine biocoenosis in the Pelo de Oro inlet, Santa Maria Key, Cuba. The research area was divided into eight strata, and sampling was conducted in four stages to measure salinity, species richness of selected megazoobenthos, and variations in Thalassia testudinum coverage. The salinity showed no anthropogenic alterations, and three species of megazoobenthos were identified: Holothuria floridana, Echinaster sp., and Lytechinus variegatus. The abundance of L. variegatus decreased in the RSDESCARGA stratum due to the plants cleaning procedures, while the CONTROL stratum showed higher abundance and stability. No significant differences were observed in Echinaster sp. abundance across strata. H. floridana was most abundant in the RSDESCARGA stratum during the pre-start stage. The study found no evidence of brine discharge impact but provides a baseline for future comparisons as the plant reaches full operational capacity.