A retrospective assessment of the hydrological condition of the Samborombón coastland (Argentina)

CAROL E; BRAGA F.; KRUSE E; TOSI L.

ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 67 p. 223 - 237

0925-8574

Understanding the influence of human activities on the hydrological condition of coastal environments is of paramount importance for preserving the ecological function and biodiversity of unique transitional ecosystems. In the last century, the Samborombón coastland (Argentina), an extensive intertidal wetland, has been locally modified by engineering works without assessing the impact on the hydrologic setting. For this purpose, the retrospective assessment of hydrologic conditions has been performed integrating satellite images, field data and previous studies. Results show that the hydraulic works and human activities have significantly changed the hydrologic setting of the coastland with impacts on the ecological system, for instance affecting the halophyl vegetation of the marshlands and the native forest of the shell ridges, which depend on the tidal flow and the freshwater, respectively. However, although the eco-hydrology of the Samborombón coastland has been changed, the engineering works did not permanently damage or destroy surrounding ecosystems. The results of this study are useful for addressing management and restoration plans of the water resources and ecosystems that have been partially disturbed by human activities.