Evaluación de la calidad de agua de arroyos de la provincia de Entre Ríos

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the quality of water from basin collector streams in the geographical
departments of Federal, Federación, Feliciano and Diamante related to dams for crop irrigation under the
hydrological situation of low water. Twelve stream environments were sampled including an inventory of
plant life. Water samples were taken for chemical-physical analysis and for carrying out two bioassays:
Allium test and Lactuca sativa seed germination. Root length and germination index, variables recorded in
both bioassays, were analyzed using Dunnet’s test. Streams from Central North of the Entre Rios Province
presented low sodium adsorption relation (RAS) values (<10) and electric conductivity (EC) lower than 750
μS cm-1. In those streams from Diamante Department, EC ranged from 910 to 1170 μS cm-1. The Allium test
as well as the toxicity bioassay of Lactuca sativa seed germination were negative. Chemical-physical
analysis and bioassays indicated aptitude for irrigation and no toxicity in waters from Central North Entre
Ríos, while those from Diamante department streams though not presenting toxicity, they would not be apt
for crop irrigation during low water season due to high EC.