Mirta L. Topalián

Effects of zinc on the structure and growth dynamics of a natural freshwater phytoplankton assemblage reared in the laboratory.

The response of a natural phytoplankton assemblage to different concentrations of Zn(2+) was evaluated by means of a static laboratory bioassay. Aliquots of surface water, taken in autumn from a non-polluted point of the Reconquista River (Buenos Aires, Argentia), were incubated in mineral nutrient media containing 2.5, 10 or 25 mg litre(-1) of Zn(2+) (as zinc chloride). The comparative structure and dynamics of the communities were followed through periodic physico-chemical and biological analyses of samples taken during 24 days of incubation. Under the experimental conditions of the bioassays, the existence of several Zn(2+) tolerant algal species was shown: the most important of them were Chlorella vulgaris Beij. (Chlorophyceae, Chlorococcales), Nitzschia palea (Kütz.) Smith and Gomphonema parvulum (Kütz.) Kütz. (Bacillariophyceae). It was also demonstrated that the algal responses to Zn(2+) were selectively concentration dependent: at 2.5 and 10 mg litre(-1) a stimulatory effect was observed in the diatoms; at 25 mg litre(-1), diatom toxicity occurred. In contrast, Chlorophyceae growth was stimulated at the maximal Zn level. In general, the diversity, richness and equitability of the community were adversely affected by Zn in a concentration-dependent fashion.

Pollution in a Lowland River System. A Case Study: the Reconquista River (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The Reconquista river is a lowland watercourse; about three million people and several thousands of industries are settled in its flood plain. It can be considered as one of the most polluted rivers of Argentina. The present work is an attempt to describe the quality of the surface water through 16 physicochemical variables measured monthly in five sites (S1to S5) during 1994. Univariate and multivariate analyses of data showed a clear difference of S1and S2respect to S4and S5for ammonium, ortophosphate, pH, hardness, chloride, phenols, BOD, COD, and DO values. S3appears to be a transition site. DO content showed a significant negative regression respect to the distance from the mouth. In the multivariate analyses between seasons the concentration of phenols appeared as an important feature. However it can be considered that seasonal variations were difficult to explain because of the river is the receptor of both regular and intermitent pollution pulses. It was concluded that the deterioration of this water body was progressive downriver, the contribution of the Moron creek in S4determined a sharp adverse change in the physicochemical conditions. In the two downstream sampling stations (S4and S5) the values were far from natural conditions.