Abstract

FERNANDEZ, C.; SALERNO, C. M.; PAOLONI, J. D.  and  LAURENT, G. C.. Water quality in a lagoon in the southeast pampa region of Argentina. Rev. argent. microbiol. [online]. 2007, vol.39, n.1, pp.51-56. ISSN 0325-7541.

This work evaluates the chemical and bacteriological qualities of the recreational waters of the Sauce Grande lagoon (Argentina). Samples were taken between March 2002 and December 2003. Ninety-six samples from three sampling stations were analyzed in order to determine the density of aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms, the presence of sulphite-reducing clostridia, and the most probable number of total coliforms, E. coli, fecal enterococci and P. aeruginosa. The water pH, temperature and chemical composition (N-NO₃-, PO₄³-, Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺ +Mg⁺⁺, EC and SAR) were also determined. Statistical analysis shows an increase in the microbial parameters of fecal pollution and in the population of heterotrophic microorganisms during the warmest months, influenced by higher temperatures and the more intensive recreational use. Bacterial count indicated that fecal pollution was statistically lower at the recreational area monitoring station; however, P. aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, was present in higher than permitted densities in all determinations. These results show that, from the physico-chemical point of view, anthropogenic activities do not significantly affect the quality of the resource.

Keywords : coliforms; enterococci; Escherichia coli; indicator microorganisms; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; water quality.

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