MANAGEMENT OF MICRO BASINS AND URBAN POLLUTION
Calls for Proposals 1996 and 1998
APPROVED CASE STUDIES

This research was developed with a donation granted by the Environmental Management Secretariat (EMS)) with funds of the International Development Researc Centre (IDRC), Otawa, Canadá

Summary of the Case Study 

"Water transmitted Diseases" (1996)

Government of the city of Buenos Aires

Fundación Agreste Punto Verde

The objective of the present project is to study and control diseases transmitted by water through epidemiological control and surveillance to assess the level of pollution of the Rio de la Plata. As samples have been obtained all along the city coastline, at the time the study was conducted, the epicentre of the most polluted zone has been identified.

The laboratory methodology used consists of sensitive techniques capable of identifying bacteria that may indicate faecal pollution and pathogens, such as the chain reaction of polymerase (PCR). This method allows for the detection and amplification of minimal bacterial concentrations that cannot be detected via current microbiological methods. The study includes a Health Education Program for the general population.

 Conclusions

• Significant microbiological pollution has been detected in all points surveyed along the Rio de la Plata,
• The epicentre of such pollution is the mouth of the Riachuelo stream. Therefore, it should be assessed whether such pollution is a consequence of the Riachuelo itself or whether it is caused by its concentrating effect.
• Pollution levels are remarkably higher during low tide of the river.
• Microbiological pollution includes pathogenic bacteria, harmful to human health (E coli O 157:117, Klebsiella pneumoneae, Pseudomona aureoginosa).
• Pollutants found in the river respond to different causes:

1. Disposal of untreated or insufficiently treated waters from industrial facilities (clubs, restaurants, pump stations).
2. Disposal of liquids and/or sewage sludge.
3. Disposal of industrial sludge.
4. Disposal of waste.
5. Organic solids sedimentation.
6. Rain water that has rinsed polluting materials.
7. Time that elements and water have remained in the system.
8. Water from affluent rivers.

In addition, one must bear in mind that any authorised or unauthorised process that may modify the ecological balance of the river, from making the water potable to even making life in the river possible, must be considered as polluting factors. 

BACK TO THE LIST 

OTHER CALLS