Volume : 2, Issue : 10, OCT 2016

CADMIUM FOUND IN THE BAHIA BLANCA ESTUARY

Cifuentes, Olga, Escudero, Daniela, Medus, Silvina, Devoto, Betina

Abstract

The present work was conducted within the frame of the research project “Study of the temporal and spatial dynamics of liquid effluents, either industrial or urban, in the Bahia Blanca Estuary Port Area and Petrochemical Hub". Its aim was to investigate the sources of origin of the Cadmium (Cd) detected in the waters, sediments and fish in this estuary. Firstly, updated theoretical data concerning Cd is introduced. This framework includes: source of origin, effects on human health and the environment (detection in water, sediments and fish), sources and products containing Cd, related international environmental agreements and proposals, as well as the Argentine legislation and decrees in which this element is mentioned. Later, a description of the Bahia Blanca Petrochemical Hub and Port Area located on the Estuary, which are under Buenos Aires Province Act No 12530/01, is made. All the point source discharges (industrial, sewage, stormwater and natural watercourses) into the estuary, as well as those from diffuse ones (e.g., waste dump on the floodplains) are identified. The abovementioned discharges and monitoring points in the estuary, geolocated using a GPS, were entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS) in order to be able to visualize them and to assess their correlation. Results concerning urban and industrial discharges were also compared with the maximum values permitted by the legislation in force taking into account, in each case, the receiving bodies. The concluding remarks and suggestions arise from processing and evaluation of records. To summarize, a single discharge could not be identified as the only source of contamination or the determining factor for the presence of Cd. Diffuse discharges from the former wastedump together with point source sewage discharges were identified as the most significant ones. Accordingly, further sampling and deeper research into these discharges is regarded to be required. As important conclusions, it should be highlighted that in no case were the assessed industrial or urban results found to be above the values permitted by regulations in force and that, even when the presence of Cd in the estuary was detected, it should be reminded that this metal is a natural component of seawater.

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References

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