The effects of wastewater irrigation on groundwater quality in Mexico
Por:
Gallegos E., Warren A., Robles E., Campoy E., Calderon A., Sainz Ma.G., Bonilla P., Escolero O.
Publicada:
1 ene 1999
Resumen:
The main aim of this research was to determine the environmental effects of wastewater irrigation on the subsurface at two locations in Mexico; Leon and the Mezquital Valley. Freshly-drilled subsurface sediment samples (both sites) and groundwater samples (Mezquital Valley) were taken at various depths. These were analysed for a range of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods. Elevated concentrations of faecal and total coliforms were recorded at both sites indicating that faecal bacteria had been transported through the subsurface. The level of subsurface contamination was affected by both spatial and temporal factors with higher coliform concentrations occurring at shallower depths (< 10 m below the surface) and at the top of the water table, and during the wet season. Elevated nitrate concentrations were found in all of the Mezquital Valley groundwaters. Thus, wastewater irrigation appears to have had a negative impact on groundwater quality. In order to mitigate this, treatment of wastewater prior to irrigation and careful irrigation management is recommended. The potential effects of groundwater degradation on public health, and the need for guidelines to protect groundwater quaility are discussed.
Filiaciones:
Gallegos E.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Warren A.:
Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Robles E.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Campoy E.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Calderon A.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Sainz Ma.G.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Bonilla P.:
Environ. Microbiology Laboratory, Project CyMA, ENEP Iztacala UNAM, Ave. de los Barrios s/n, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Escolero O.:
Comision Nacional del Agua, Gerencia de Aguas Subterraneas, Av. Insurgentes Sur, 1960, Col. Florida 01030, Mexico D. F., Mexico
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