Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Claudia et al. Seasonal variations of water quality of Chocancharava River (Cuarto River), Córdoba, Argentina. Ecol. austral [online]. 2002, vol.12, n.1, pp.65-72. ISSN 1667-782X.

Chocancharava River (Cuarto River) joints Tercero River to form Carcarañá River, an important affluent of Paraná River. The aim of this work was to evaluate bacteriological, phycological and physical-chemical variations of Chocancharava River along the year, in order to establish the potential risk for human and animal health. According to the effluents received by this environment, six sampling stations were selected. The abundance of total coliform and faecal coliform microorganisms showed variations along the year, exceeding admissible levels at stations located downstream the city discharges. A similar situation was observed for Streptococcus faecalis. Algal counting did not show similar values at the sampling stations evaluated along the year; however, genera belonging to the Bacillariophyceae were predominant. Physical parameters were found to be between admissible limits, except for sites receiving effluents. Considering their chemical characteristics, water was classified as hypohaline and sodic bicarbonated. According to the results obtained, three of the sampling stations (km 597, km 587 and Paso del Durazno) do not accomplish established limits of quality.

Keywords : Algae; Contamination; Faecal coliforms; Rivers; Water quality.

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