Short term ecological implications of the diversion of a highly polluted lowland river: a case study

MAIDANA, N.; O'FARRELL, I; LOMBARDO, R.; DOS SANTOS AFONSO, M.

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY

Springer

Lugar: New York; Año: 2005 vol. 75 p. 1176 - 1184

0007-4861

The aim of this study is to determine the nature and extent of ecological changes in the River Luján-relief channel system as a consequence of the River Reconquista diversion. Monitoring of the planktonic diatom community and of several physical and chemical parameters was performed on a monthly basis before and after the hydraulic practice. An abrupt decrease of oxygen concentration and an increase of conductivity, nutrient and suspended solids concentrations were registered after the diversion in the relief channel. In a similar way, diatom community changed revealing a replacement of dominant species, a richness decrease and a density enhancement.  These effects were lessened downstream the confluence of the relief channel and the Luján River.