Feedlots and pollution - A growing threat to water resources of agro-production zone in Argentina

GARCÍA, A.R.; FLEITE, S.N.; VAZQUEZ PUGLIESE, D.; DE IORIO, A.F.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

Año: 2013 vol. 47 p. 11932 - 11933

0013-936X

Beef cattle feeding operations or feedlots are known to generate large accumulations of manure in feedlot pens, manure storage areas, effluent storage lagoons, and manure amended soil. These areas may act as punctual pollution sources for surface and groundwater if they are not properly designed and managed. At present, the great development of this activity in the humid region of Rolling Pampa (Argentina’s agro-productive area) jeopardizes essential water resources in the region. (1)This plain reaches 30 m above sea level and it is located in hilly landscape among numerous water courses such as rivers, valleys, and ditches. In addition, two of the most polluted rivers in the world, Reconquista and Matanza-Riachuelo, are part of this region which has a high population density. (2) The growing presence of feedlots in the upper basins of these rivers means a severe threat, because it increases pollutant levels in this already damaged system.