Environmental Assessment of Patagonia's Water Resources

This book presents contributions devoted to the hydrogeochemical characterization of aquatic environments of Patagonia, including those of Ushuaia city, known as "The southernmost city in the world". Patagonia (between 39° and 55° S) is located in southern South America. Eight main river systems pour their waters into the SW Atlantic Ocean. Rivers, with their headwaters mainly located in the Andes, supply dissolved and particulate matter to the coastal zone, as well as nutrients, which benefit biological communities. Besides, freshwater in this region with little anthropogenic impact supports human life and a high wildlife biodiversity. Unfortunately, the recent increase in human activities, such as the use of fertilizers, wastewater discharges, extensive deforestation and dam construction, is affecting the quality and quantity of water resources. The book is of interest for researchers, professors and government agencies that decide on water resources management policies.

Includes the hydrogeochemical characterization of several aquatic environments from Patagonia, Argentina Presents hydrogeochemical characteristics of streams from Ushuaia city Summarizes information on river systems draining Patagonia Argentina region

Inhalt
Foreward.- Introduction.- Effects of Multiple Stressors Associated with Land-use Practices in the Percy Corintos Basin (Northwest Chubut): An Ecological Assessment.- The Manso River Drainage System in the Northern Patagonian Andes: Hydrological, Hydrochemical and Nutrient Dynamics.- Geothermal Influence on the Hydrochemistry of Surface Streams in Patagonia Neuquina.- Hydrogeochemistry of an Acid River and Lake Related to an Active Volcano. The Case of Study: Agrio River - Copahue Volcano in Patagonia, Argentina.- Negro River Environmental Assessment.- Patagonia's Chubut River: Overview of the Main Hydrological and Geochemical Features.- Hydrochemical Characteristics of Mid-Low Sections of North Patagonia Rivers, Argentina.- Hydrochemistry of Patagonian Wet Meadows (mallines) Under Different Geological Frames.- The Main Hydrological Features of Patagonia's Santa Cruz River: An Updated Assessment.- The Role of Sediments andPhosphorus in the Evaluation of Water Resources Quality in Patagonia.- A Hydrological and Biogeochemical Appraisal of Patagonia's Río Gallegos.- Vertical Electrical Sounding Applied to Hydrolithological Interpretations in the Fuegian Steppe, Argentina.- Water Quality Assessment in Urban Watersheds of Tierra del Fuego: A Perspective from the Integrated Water Resources Management.- Disturbances in Freshwater Environments of Patagonia: A Review.- Glossary.