Water quality within the greater Suva urban marine environment through spatial analysis of nutrients and water properties

Dehm, Jasha and Le Gendra, Romain and Lal, Monal and Menkes, Christophe and Singh, Awnesh M. (2025) Water quality within the greater Suva urban marine environment through spatial analysis of nutrients and water properties. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 213 (117601). pp. 1-18. ISSN 0025-326X

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Abstract

Coastal ecosystems in Pacific Island Countries and Territories are vital to local livelihoods, yet increasingly face pressures from urbanization. In Fiji, the Greater Suva Urban Area, where one-third of the nation's population live, exemplifies these challenges. This study examines spatial and temporal water quality variations in the coastal zone, focusing on physicochemical, nutrients, and clarity parameters. Using a Seabird Scientific SBE19 CTD and Thermo Scientific Orion™ AQUAfast™ colorimeter, coupled with hierarchical clustering and principal compo nent analysis, six water quality clusters were identified, influenced by oceanic processes, river inputs, and
anthropogenic activities. Key findings highlight nutrient enrichment near urban centers particularly at the Kinoya Sewage Treatment Plant outfall, where ammonia exceeded 17.8 mg/L, and significant variation observed in nitrate (up to 0.24 ± 0.06 mg/L) and nitrite (up to 0.24 ± 0.06 mg/L) concentrations near river mouths. Seasonal runoff contributed to elevated turbidity (up to 3.5 NTU) and total suspended solids (up to 14.7 mg/L)
levels during wet months. Salinity, and temperature exhibited strong spatial and seasonal variability, reflecting land-ocean interactions and restricted water exchange. These findings emphasize the need for targeted action to mitigate nutrient pollution, urban runoff, and wastewater impacts. This study provides a cost-effective monitoring framework for water quality management, offering insights for sustainable coastal resource management in Fiji and other Pacific regions amidst urbanization and climate change.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Water quality Nutrient pollution Urban reefs Pacific Islands Anthropogenic pressures Coral reef threats Urbanization
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > Q Science (General) > Q1-295 General
Divisions:	Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD)
Depositing User:	Awnesh Singh
Date Deposited:	02 Feb 2025 23:18
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2025 23:18
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14808

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