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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Vertical export of particulate organic matter and fecal pellets off central Peru (Callao, 12°S) during the early 2023 El Niño event

Authors: Cholan, María; Mendoza, Ursula; Leigh, Bobby; Aramayo, Víctor; Velazco, Federico; Ayón, Patricia; Fernández, Ernesto; +3 Authors

Vertical export of particulate organic matter and fecal pellets off central Peru (Callao, 12°S) during the early 2023 El Niño event

Abstract

Total mass flux (TMF) represents the export of all particulate material, both organic and inorganic, through the water column and plays a key role in biogeochemical cycling. The objective of this work was to quantify the TMF and assess the contribution of fecal pellets in Callao Bay (12°S, Peru) during the early 2023 El Niño (EN) event. To this end, a mechanical sediment trap was deployed at 32 m depth, along with temperature sensors installed at 15, 20 and 25 m on a mooring line, operated from austral summer until autumn 2023 (179 days). TMF values ranged from 143 to 172 mg m-2day-1; which are lower than those typically reported for the region under normal seasonal conditions, indicating reduced particulate export during this warm-phase period. Fecal pellets derived from zooplankton and fish were identified. Zooplankton pellets presented two distinct shapes (cylindrical and ovoid) and showed a mean flux of 1.99 ± 0.40 mg m-2day-1, contributing 1.26 ± 0.09% to the TMF. Fish pellets displayed a single cylindrical shape and exhibited a flux of 9.68 mg m-2day-1, contributing 6.77% to the TMF. These differences reflect the larger size and volume of fish pellets relative to zooplankton pellets. Sinking velocities further highlighted these contrasts: zooplankton pellets sank more slowly (18.34 ± 16.25 m day-1), whereas fish pellets exhibit faster settling rates (668.53 ± 713.82 m day-1), indicating distinct sedimentation behaviors. Overall, the results reveal reduced TMF and low fecal pellet production during the early 2023 EN event, providing insight into how warm anomalies modulate particulate material export dynamics off the central Peruvian coast.

Keywords

Flux, Sediment trap, Organic matter, Sinking Velocity, Zooplankton

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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