Distribution and Contamination of Arsenic in Fish, Gastropods and Bivalves in the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in East of Ivory Coast

Lagoons are ecosystems for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The main objective of the study was to analyze the variability of arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves in the Aby and Tendo lagoons, taking into account spatial, seasonal and hydrological variations. The study was carried out in four stages spread over two successive hydroclimatic cycles, including two seasons during the rainy season and two more during the dry season. The samples were taken in two areas of the Aby and Tendo lagoons. Arsenic levels were measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that mean arsenic concentrations in the muscles of organisms in Aby Lagoon ranged from 0.01 to 1.26 μg As/g, with a mean and median of 0.17 and 0.06 μg As/g, respectively. Fish had the highest levels of arsenic, followed by crustaceans, while molluscs and plants had lower and comparable concentrations of As. Arsenic concentrations in tilapia and jawbones varied significantly between sites and seasons, with higher concentrations at Tendo and during the rainy season. Arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves were significantly higher than those of other species, with averages of 0.74 and 1.03 mg As/kg, respectively.

Assessment of Selenium Contamination in Sediments of the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in Côte d’Ivoire

Selenium is a trace element that can have both beneficial and harmful effects on aquatic life. The Aby Lagoon is a coastal environment in Côte d’Ivoire that receives selenium inputs from various natural and anthropogenic sources. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon and its tributaries, the Tanoe River and the Tendo Lagoon, and to examine the spatial and seasonal variations of selenium concentrations. Sediment samples were collected from different sites and seasons, and selenium concentrations were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the average concentration of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon was 0.82 mg/kg, indicating moderate contamination. The concentration of selenium varied between sites and seasons, with higher values in the channel of the Tendo Lagoon and during the dry season. The study highlighted the complexity of selenium dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, and the need to take into account seasonal and spatial variability as well as interactions between environmental factors. The study also suggested potential ecotoxicological risks for some sensitive organisms in certain areas of the lagoon. This study contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics of selenium in lagoon ecosystems and to the assessment of the environmental risks associated with its presence.

Assessing Future Flooding Risk in a Coastal Lagoon Using Hydrogeological Approaches and Analysis of the 2021 Flood Event: A Case Study of Tasi-Tolu Lagoon, Dili, Timor-Leste

This study aims to apply a hydrogeological approaches and analysis of the 2021 flood event of Tasi-Tolu Lagoon to achieve four specific goals. Firstly, the study seeks to determine the natural characteristics of the lagoon, which include factors such as size, depth, water quality, and ecosystem composition. Secondly, the influence of precipitation on the water volume in the lagoon will be examined. This analysis involves assessing historical rainfall patterns in the region, as well as the amount and frequency of precipitation during the 2021 flood event. Thirdly, the hydrogeologic and geologic conditions of the lagoon will be evaluated. This involves examining factors such as the type and structure of the soil and bedrock, the presence of aquifers or other underground water sources, and the movement of water through the surrounding landscape. Finally, the study seeks to assess the risk of future flooding in Tasi-Tolu Lagoon, based on the insights gained from the previous analyses. Overall, this study’s goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogeological factors that contribute to flooding in Tasi-Tolu Lagoon. This knowledge could be used to inform flood mitigation strategies or to improve our ability to predict and respond to future flooding events in the region.

Geochemical characterization of rare earth elements in sediment profiles from the Oualida lagoon(Morocco)

The present work assesses the temporal distribution pattern and geochemical changes of rare earth elements and Yttrium, Scandium, Thorium, and Uranium delivery into the Oualidia lagoon. Two sediment cores were retrieved from the Oualidia lagoon and analyzed using neutron activation analysis. The results indicated that heavy rare earth elements are slightly enriched the sediment cores over light rare earth elements. The highest values of REEs were recorded in the top layers of the cores and depleted with depth, suggesting a possible change in factors controlling their accumulation, including mechanical, chemical, and environmental parameters such as weathering intensity, grain size, and Fe-Mn oxides. The sediments display positive Ce anomalies, which are probably related to the submarine weathering process and detrital input. Noting also the variation of hydrodynamics conditions and confinement of the upstream part of the lagoon played a key role in changing the sediment origins.Thus, further investigation of REEs origin in the Oualidia lagoon sediment is required to identify their sources,provenances, and the factors controlling their spatial and vertical distributions. However, these results provide baseline data of occurring changes in REEs geochemical composition and constitute a typical study case to understand the link between sedimentary and geochemistry processes in a lagoonal ecosystem.

Increasing Anthropogenic Mercury Pollution over the Last 200 Years Revealed by Lagoonal Sediments from Hainan Island,South China

The toxic heavy metal mercury(Hg)has significantly enhanced the global Hg cycle influenced by human activities over the last century.In this study,we presented a high-resolution Hg deposition history between∼1780 and 2015 AD in a sediment core from Xincun Lagoon,located in the southeastern Hainan Island,South China,and analyzed it in conjunction with geochemical elements,grain-size distribution,organic matter,and HYSPLIT backward trajectory simulation.The objective was to investigate the influencing factors affecting historical Hg deposition in relatively remote regions and assess the extent of the effects of natural background and human activities.The results showed that the Hg in the sediment was deposited primarily through atmospheric deposition,which was closely related to regional and even global human activities.Anthropogenic Hg contamination increased gradually from the 1830s to 1850s,possibly due to Hg emissions from Opium Wars I and II occurring in southeastern China.High broad peaks of anthropogenic Hg were observed during the 1910s to 1950s and in the 1980s,likely associated with the two world wars and modern Chinese wars.In addition,a further sharp increase in anthropogenic Hg from the mid-1970s to the present occurred,likely originating from the intense industrial activities in China triggered by the reform and opening-up policy of China in 1978 and some countries in Southeast Asia.

Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Phytoplankton in Relation to Physico-Chemical Parameters in Adjin Lagoon, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

Investigations were carried out on spatial and seasonal composition, distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in Adjin lagoon located in south-eastern of Côte d’Ivoire. Samples were collected at six stations during the four seasons in 2013 year. Freshwater inflow from Bété, Djibi and Mé Rivers influenced the variability of nutrients concentration in this lagoon. From a seasonal point of view, the parameters studied are significantly affected by freshwater inputs during the rainy season. This period is characterized by high values of turbidity, suspended solids and nutrients in the water. Overall, 66 taxa from six phyla were recorded. The Chlorophyta had the highest species diversity and Cyanobacteria had the highest relative abundance throughout the year. The temporal distribution of phytoplankton showed that the highest values of density were recorded in the long rainy season and the lowest values in the long dry season. Spatially, the highest abundance (297,927 × 103 cells·L-1) of phytoplankton was found in station 3 and the lowest (74,222 × 103 cells·L-1) in the station 5.

Monitoring Water Quality in Ballona Lagoon, Los Angeles, California: Nitrate Level Fluctuation in Low and High Tide Condition

The coastal wetland, Ballona Lagoon in Southern California has experienced degradation and size reduction due to urbanization. This study analyzes nitrate concentrations in the lagoon to identify contamination sources and assess its impact. The study includes determining nitrate levels during high and low tides during wet and dry seasons, establishing concentration gradients, and examining the relationship between salinity and nitrate concentrations. The nitrate concentrations were found to be higher in locations closer to the head of the lagoon, particularly in urbanized areas, suggesting land-based sources during the dry season’s high tide (S2: 2.37 mg/l;S3: 3.85 mg/l;S4: 3.91 mg/l). Findings highlight the importance of managing nitrate contamination near urban areas. Monitoring nitrate levels over time are crucial for sustainability efforts. This research emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and conservation strategies to mitigate nitrate contamination in Ballona Lagoon.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Effect of Urban Waste Pollution in the Korle Lagoon Area of Accra, Ghana, on Nutrition and Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

Disposal of domestic and industrial waste into the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon in Accra, Ghana, has led to pollution of the lagoon and surrounding soils. This study compared the elemental concentrations of heavy metals (lead and zinc) and essential plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in soils from the Korle Lagoon Area to those in baseline soils from the University of Ghana Agricultural Farm (UG Farm), also in Accra. A comparative pot experiment, using maize (Zea mays L.) as test plant, was conducted to assess the effect of each soil type on plant growth. Soil samples from the Korle Lagoon Area were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) concentrations than samples from the UG Farm. Mean plant height and mean leaf width of maize plants harvested 7 weeks after planting (WAP) were both significantly higher (P < 0.003) for samples from the Korle Lagoon Area soil compared to those from the UG Farm soil. Higher accumulation of Zn (448.3 ± 45.5) in maize shoot within 3 weeks of planting in the Korle Lagoon Area soil had phytotoxic effects on growth, resulting in shoot growth inhibition and reduced uptake of P and K in 11-week-old plants. The findings indicate that though nutrient enrichment due to sewage disposal into the lagoon may increase crop production, the nutritional quality of the crop produced could be compromised by heavy metal accumulation in the soil and subsequent uptake by the plant.

Use of piezocone tests to predict consolidation yield stress and overconsolidation ratio of lagoonal deposit soil

Existing empirical methods for interpreting the consolidation yield stress and the overconsolidation ratio （OCR） in clays from piezocone tests are briefly reviewed. It can be seen that no universal correlation exists for all worldwide sites. However, for a given clay deposit, there does exist a most appropriate method to reflect the consolidation yield stress and the OCR based on piezocone test data. Three empirical methods are compared based on the piezocone test data collected on Lixia River lagoonal deposit soil sites in the north of Jiangsu province. The objective of this study is to evaluate the validity of the existing relationships linking the consolidation yield stress to piezocone test data and identify the appropriate method for Lixia River lagoonal deposit soil. It is shown that the correlation based on the net tip resistance has much higher accuracy for estimating the consolidation yield stress of lagoonal deposit soil than other methods.

Structure of the Community of Dominant Fish Species Associated to Soft-Bottoms in the Lagoon of La Paz, B.C.S., México

The study of fish communities from coastal lagoons allows a better understanding of role of these organisms in these systems, and the effect of anthropogenic impact. The aim of the present study was to determine the community structure, in particular dominance of fish species associated to soft bottoms in the lagoon of La Paz. Six bimonthly samplings were carried out in seven localities from November 2016 to September 2017 and physicochemical parameters were recorded. Analysis of temperature showed differences between two marked seasons, warm and cold. Species richness showed differences between months and localities. Shannon-Weaver index and Pielou’s evenness showed significant differences only between months. Simpson’s index suggests a high diversity. According to the BVI, 15 species from the families Haemulidae, Sciaenidae and Gerreidae, were the most biologically important. Zoogeographic affinity analysis showed that 58% of the species prefer the Province of Cortez. Dominant species recorded in this study play a key role in soft-bottom systems like the lagoon of La Paz.

Hydro-Sedimentary Dynamics of the Grand-Popo Lagoon Located Upstream of the Mobile Embouchure “Bouche du Roy” in South-Western Benin

The problems of flooding, bank erosion and even the breaching of the barrier beach by the Grand-Popo lagoon are a concern in the south-western Beninese river-lagoon complex. The present study aims to improve the knowledge of the factors controlling the hydro-sedimentary functioning of this lagoon of Grand-Popo. It was based on bathymetric and sedimentological studies and the analysis of physical-chemical parameters of the water and allowed to know the morphology of the lagoon bottom and the distribution of sedimentary facies according to the intensity of the water current. The salinity of the lagoon waters shows a west-east gradient passing thus from 0‰ to 0.78‰ in the main direction of flow. Over the whole lagoon system, the average liquid flows vary from -38.499 to 159.13 m3/s. The bathymetry indicates depths varying from 0.4 to 6.5 m, revealing type V and type U lagoon bottoms which reflect acute bottom concavities marked by hollowing under the effect of strong currents or by sandy terraces resulting from the continuous input of sediments carried by the Mono River. These sediments are heterogeneously distributed in the lagoon bottom and vary from free sand to mud. Given the complexity of the factors that control the hydro-sedimentary functioning of the Grand-Popo lagoon, it is recommended that periodic hydrological and bathymetric monitoring be carried out to locate exceptional variations in water levels to prevent not only the risks of overflowing lagoon waters and the flooding that follows but also spectacular erosion of the lagoon banks.

Factors regulating population dynamics of the amphipod Ampithoe valida in a eutrophic subtropical coastal lagoon

Year-round investigations were carried out to address the population dynamics of amphipod Ampithoe val- ida and its potential regulating factors in the Yundang Lagoon （a eutrophic subtropical coastal lagoon in Xiamen City, China） from October 2007 to October 2008. The results show that A. valida population was largely composed of juveniles and reached a peak abundance （12.02× 10^3 ind./m2） in March, but sharply shrunk in July. The monthly variation pattern ofA. valida seemed to follow that of Ulva lactuca which is the main food resource for A. valida, indicating a strong influence of food availability on A. valida popu- lation dynamics. Life cycle studies in laboratory indicate that A. valida adopted an r-selected life strategy, e.g., rapid growth rate （0.216-0.302 mm/d）, consecutive breeding （4-10 times）, short reproductive rhythm （9-17 d） and huge fecundity （24-192 eggs or 6-94 juveniles per brood）, which contributed to the fast pop- ulation growth ofA. valida from January to March. Although temperature may also be a significant cause, A. valida could grow quickly and show normal reproductive traits （i.e., the timing of sexual differentiation or maturity, the reproductive rhythm, the number of broods all through its lifespan and offspring produc- tion） in temperature between 15-30~ C. Therefore, the temperature variation in the lagoon water should not account for the sharp variation of A. valida population by affecting the survival, growth and reproduction of the amphipod. However, negative correlation between water temperature and U. lactuca biomass in the lagoon suggested that temperature could have indirectly affected the population dynamics ofA. ualida by affecting its food availability. The authors conclude that, in the Yundang Lagoon, the population dynamics ofA. validawas mainly controlled by the food availability rather than water temperature.

Spatial and temporal variations of sedimented organic matter in Xiaohai Lagoon,Hainan Island

The characteristics of grain-size,total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents,TOC/TN ratios,stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and 210Pb dating were measured in six sediment cores from the Xiaohai Lagoon.The results show distinct spatial and temporal variations in sedimentation patterns.The sediments are dominated by clayey silt,sandy silt and by silty sand in the southern,middle lagoon and the northern lagoon,respectively.TOC and TN contents decline from south to north.Sedimentation rates,determined by 210Pb dating,tend to decrease from south to middle.However,the determination of sedimentation rate in the north is difficult.These spatial variations are related to the variations in sediment sources and hydrodynamic conditions in the Xiaohai Lagoon.The variations of organic matter signatures can be divided into two stages in the cores from the southern and middle lagoon.Before 1988,the organic matter signatures are relatively stable.The contribution of terrestrial organic carbon sources varies between 60％ and 85％.After 1988,the organic matter signatures demonstrate significant variations.TOC and TN contents increase rapidly,TOC/TN ratios decrease,δ13C values shift to higher and the contribution of terrestrial organic carbon sources decreases to 40％-50％.The contributions of phytoplankton organic matter have increased in the sediment since 1988.Increasing aquaculture activities have had a significant impact on organic matter signatures since 1988.The sedimentation rates have increased rapidly in the southern and middle lagoon since 1988 due to the anthropogenic activities which include aquaculture,mining and deforestation.These activities have caused eutrophication and increased siltation in the southern and middle lagoon.

Classifying the sedimentary environments of the Xincun Lagoon,Hainan Island,by system cluster and principal component analyses

An understanding of the sedimentary environment in relation to its controlling factors is of great importance in coastal geomorphology,ecology,tourism and aquaculture studies.We attempt to deal with this issue,using a case study from the Xincun Lagoon,Hainan Island in southern China.For the study,surficial sediment samples were collected,together with hydrodynamic and bathymetric surveys,during August 2013.Numerical simulation was carried out to obtain high-spatial resolution tidal current data.The sediment samples were analyzed to derive mean grain size,sorting coefficient,skewness and kurtosis,together with the sand,silt and clay contents.The modern sedimentary environments were classified using system cluster and principal component analyses.Grain size analysis reveals that the sediments are characterized by extremely slightly sandy silty mud（ESSSM） and slightly silty sand（SSS）,which are distributed in the central lagoon and near-shore shallow water areas,respectively.Mean grain size varies from 0 to 8.0Ф,with an average of 4.6Ф.The silt content is the highest,i.e.,52% on average,with the average contents of sand and clay being 43% and 5%,respectively.There exists a significant correlation between mean size and water depth,suggesting that the surficial sediments become finer with increasing water depth.Cluster analyses reveals two groups of samples.The first group is characterized by mean grain size of more than 5.5Ф,whilst the second group has mean grain size of below 3.5Ф.Further,these groups also have different correlations between mean grain size and the other grain size parameters.In terms of the tidal current,the average values of the root mean square velocity（RMSV） are 7.5 cm/s and 6.9 cm/s on springs and neaps,respectively.For the RMSVs that are higher than 4 cm/s,a significant positive correlation is found between the content of the 63–125 μm fraction and the RMSV,suggesting that the RMSV determines the variability of the very fine sand fraction.Based on system cluster and principal component analyses（PCA）,the modern sedimentary environments are classified into three types according to the grain size parameters,RMSVs and water depth data.The results suggest the importance of grain size parameters and high-spatial resolution hydrodynamic data in differentiating the coastal sedimentary environments.

Study on the Geo-Environmental Evolution of the Laolonggou Lagoon Under the Impacts of the Caofeidian Reclamation Project in Hebei Province

The Caofeidian Reclamation Project has been the biggest reclamation project in China so far, in which 310 km^2 sea areas were reclaimed along the coast of Hebei Province, and it also bring about many problems and defects for large reclaiming area. The study focuses on the influences of the engineering exerted on evolution of the Laolonggou Lagoon with the methods of topographical measurement and surface sediment analysis. The results demonstrate that the topographical changes in the Laolonggou Lagoon had been controlled obviously by the engineering at three stages. Besides, blocking and reopening of the shoal tidal channel also affected the geological environment of the lagoon area. In the aspect of topographical change, the Laolonggou Inlet first experienced deposition after the shoal tidal channel was blocked, followed by short-time eroding for quarrying and cofferdam construction in the east, then depositing slowly after the reclaiming activity ceased, and finally eroding after the shoal tidal channel was reopened. The project, particularly cofferdam construction led to the movement of the Laolonggou Inlet axis from west to east for 50 – 100 m. In the aspect of sediment variation, the reclamation project and hydrodynamic change resulted in the variation in compositions and distribution pattern. The western lagoon area has become land mainly constituted by silt, while the sediments in the eastern area have turned finer in size. After the shoal tidal channel was reopened, the current velocity in the Laolonggou Inlet has been enhanced, making the sediments at the bottom become coarser. The sediments around the Caofeidian foreland went through a process of changing in grain size from fine to coarse and back to fine again, and the sediments are mainly constituted by silt at present.

The Geochemistry of Heavy Metals in the Mudflat of Salinas de San Pedro Lagoon, California, USA

Sediment core samples were collected from the Salinas de San Pedro to assess the pollutant deposition processes in response to extensive human activities. Analysis of the sediment samples for heavy metals and some trace elements was conducted with ICP-OES for 20 sites showing enrichment for some of trace and heavy metals. The results demonstrated that heavy metal concentrations in mud varied greatly for each metal, with concentration values (mg/g) ranging from 1.05 - 4.8 (Al);0.003 - 0.011(As);0.001 - 0.005 (Cd);0.02 to 0.82 (Cr);0.085 - 0.47 (Cu);5.98 - 14.22 (Fe);0.06 - 0.19 (Mn);0.03 - 0.67 (Ni);0.05 - 0.38 (Pb);- 0.069 (Se);0.18 - 0.63 (Ti);0.040 - 0.091 (V) and 0.149 - 0.336 (Zn). The Index of Geo-accumulation factor showed highest values for Pb, Mn, As, and Cu. Enrichment factors >1for these elements suggest anthropogenic inputs for most metals. The bioavailability of metals in lagoon sediments has the potential to be highly dynamic with local waste and natural H2S discharge from existing fault line.

The application of GPR to barrier-lagoon sedimentation study in Boao of Hainan Island

Sedimentary successions and internal structure of the coastal barrier-lagoon system of Boao, eastern Hainan Island were studied through utilizing data from test holes and trenches and ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) profiles. During late Pleistocene, fluvial and delta plains developed over an unevenly eroded bedrock during low sea level stand, followed by the formation of littoral and lagoon facies and defined coastal barrier-lagoon-estuary system during the post-glacial uppermost Pleistocene-lower Holocene eustatic rise of the sea level, and the upper Holocene high stand. GPR results show that Yudaitan, a sandy coastal bar backed by a low-laying land (shoal) just east of the active lagoon, is a continuous, parallel and slightly-wavy reflectors indicating homogeneous sandy or sandy gravel sediments, and inclined reflectors partly caused by progradation and accumulation of beach sand and gravel. Quasi-continuous, hummocky and chaotic reflectors from the shoal of Nangang village correspond to mixed accumulation of sands and clay. This research indicates the GPR is a non-intrusive, rapid, and economical method for high-resolution profiling of subsurface sediments in sandy gravelly coast.

Model of Wetland Carbon Sequestration in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy

This research deals with an evaluation of the sink of greenhouse gas CO2 in a eutrophic area of the Venetian lagoon where fish is farmed （＂Valle da pesca＂）. Following CDM UNFCCC （Clean Development Mechanism United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change） criteria, this can be considered relevant to the international standard for the voluntary evaluation of carbon credits on the basis of Annex a of Kyoto Protocol. To identify the ＂Valle da pesca＂ brackish lagoon properties regulating the carbon dioxide （CO2）, a survey has been performed during three seasons in one year and in four different locations. These places are located in the Italian Venetian Lagoon and in the Grado Lagoon in North Italy, Europe. To identify the CO2 sink capacity, a special index is calculated. The CO2 concentrations and sink are regulated by the balance of autotrophic and heterotrophic activities, and the sediment anoxic denitrification and macro algae are crucial tank of CO2 in the valley shallow waters. The ponds potential-CO2 yield of 80-124 kg/m2 per year and the value are related and proportional to the correct human environmental control （water flux control）.

Diet and Food Consumption of the African Catfish, <i>Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus</i>Lacépède (1803) (Siluriformes: Claroteidae), from the Hydrosystem Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aného (South of Togo)

Catfishes belonging to the genus Chrysichthys are generally important fish species in inland water bodies of Africa because of their high commercial value. Among them, C. nigrodigitatus could represent, at certain periods of the year the highest biomass of the littoral ichthyofauna, accounting for 17 to 43.8% of total catches. In this paper, its diet in the hydrosystem Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aného was investigated focusing on how differences in diet and food consumption are related to size, season and sexual maturity. A total of 195 males and 137 females were sampled from January to December 2017. The digestive tract of each individual was dissected and its content was analyzed, using indexes of stomach contents analysis method. Diet variability in relation to season and biometric parameters was also studied. About 99 stomachs were empty with an overall vacuity index of 29.82%. However, vacuity index was found to vary in relation to fish size and months. The fish has been found to be omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency consuming a wide range of prey items (H = 3.34). Juvenile and adult freshwater clams (Galatea paradoxa) were the numerical dominant preys (%N = 44%) while the penaeid shrimps (Farfantepenaeus notialis) with an annual frequency of occurrence (Fo) of 49.36% and all species confused of fish (33.91%) were the most preferred preys. The index of relative importance (IRI) reveals that freshwater clam (40.49%), penaeid shrimps (35.85%) and all species confused of fish (14.58%) were the most important preys of C. nigrodigitatus. The dominance of Malacostraca and Mollusca in the diet of C. nigrodigitatus in the hydrosystem Lake Togo-Lagoon of Aného is likely one of the more important considerations for future management plans.

Reconstructing Environmental Changes of a Coastal Lagoon with Coral Reefs in Southeastern Hainan Island

Coastal lagoons with small catchment basins are highly sensitive to natural processes and anthropogenic activities. To figure out the environmental changes of a coastal lagoon and its contribution to carbon burial, two sediment cores were collected in Xincun Lagoon, southeastern Hainan Island and (210) ~Pb activities, grain size parameters, total organic carbon(TOC), total nitrogen(TN), total inorganic carbon(TIC) and stable carbon isotopes(δ^(13)C) were measured. The results show that in 1770–1815, the decreasing water exchange capacity with outer open water, probably caused by the shifting and narrowing of the tidal inlet, not only diminished the currents and fined the sediments in the lagoon, but also reduced the organic matter of marine sources. From 1815 to 1950, the sedimentary environment of Xincun Lagoon was frequently influenced by storm events. These extreme events resulted in the high fluctuation of sediment grain size and sorting, as well as the great variation in contributions of terrestrial(higher plants, soils) and marine sources(phytoplankton, algae, seagrass). The extremely high content of TIC, compared to TOC before 1950 could be attributed to the large-scale coverage of coral reefs. However, with the boost of seawater aquaculture activities after 1970, the health growth of coral species was severely threatened, and corresponding production and inorganic carbon burial flux reduced. The apparent enhanced inorganic carbon burial rate after 1990 might result from the concomitant carbonate debris produced by seawater aquaculture. This result is important for local government long-term coastal management and environmental planning.