Evaluation of the health risk from water contamination in the city of Tandil, Argentina |
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| Authors: | María Celia García |
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| Institution: | (1) Centro de Investigaciones Geográficas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| Abstract: | The paper focuses on the concentration of nitrates detected in superficial waters (lake and streams) and groundwater (wells)
used as sources of water supply. It attempts to determine the level of risk due to the presence of urban industrial uses and
correlate it with the quality of urban life, in order to determine social vulnerability to the risk of industrial contamination.
A geographic information system (GIS) was constructed with layers for various census data, topographic and landuse features
and the location of water samples. An index of quality of life was developed using selected variables. This was then compared
to the essential services provision data and the results of the water sample analyses. The concentration of nitrates (mg/l
or ppm) in the water samples was determined. These values were translated into maps of contaminants, which were then correlated
with their possible sources and with the quality of life of the population affected. The concentration of nitrates in wells
has been considered alarming, but more concern has been expressed about concentrations in the public water supply network.
Spatial correlation between areas with high risk of contaminated water and areas with the worst quality of life, indicates
the importance of controlling chemical contamination, and demands improvements in the public water supply network and revision
of the theory of social vulnerability. |
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| Keywords: | Nitrates Water contamination Living quality Risk |
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