Methodological assessment of vertical export fluxes during an eight-month sediment trap deployment off the central coast of Peru (12°S)

Mendoza U.; Leigh B.; Velazco F.; Cholan M.; Ayón P.; Fernández E.; Graco M. · Revista de Biologia Marina y Oceanografia (2025) · DOI: 10.22370/rbmo.2025.60.2.5917

Resumen

-Although the export of surface production to seabed is widely recognized, few studies have addressed methodological aspects related to its quantification. The objective of this study was to assess vertical fluxes off the central coast of Peru (12°S), measured in 2020 over 239 days of sediment trap deployment, and to evaluate the associated methodological approach. Using a Folsom split subsampler and successive aliquots, total mass fluxes ranged from 240.6 to 1122.0 mg m-2 day-1. The mean flux of 634.5 ± 155.9 mg m-2 day-1 was lower than values reported for other comparable upwelling systems. The methodology applied represents an improved approach, as it minimizes potential sources of error and ensures more consistent and reliable estimates. ©Author(s) 2025.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Científica del Sur