Author(s)

M. I. Ferrer-Sánchez, R. G. Bautista-Margulis, E. S. López-Hernández, A. Vázquez-Botello, G. López-Ocaña, M. Juárez-García & A. A. Ramírez-Alejandre

Abstract

In the state of Tabasco, Mexico, the main aquatic ecosystems are wastewater receptors coming from domestic and industrial discharges. In this context, the Seco River is an important aquatic system with a high degree of physicochemical and biological pollution. To date, the extent of damage caused to the fishery biodiversity, agriculture and other commercial activities is practically nonexistent. Hence, the objective of this investigation is to study the social and environmental behavior at the surroundings of the Seco River by monitoring and simulating its environmental changes in the period 2000–2003. The Geographical Information System (GIS) Arcview 32 and the ecological model IDRISI 3.2 were employed as a basic computational tool. Also, four sampling stations were strategically installed along the Seco River. The \“in situ” measurements indicated high contamination levels, such as: BOD5 > 120 mg/l, DO < 2.1 mg/l and Salinity = 42,000–50,000 ppm. In addition, high metal concentrations (Cr, Cd, Zn, As, Pb, Ni) were found to be present during the sediment sampling. The modeling results revealed that great areas of coconut plantations were lost and replaced by pastures in the three-year period. The sediment input became a serious contamination problem by non-point sources due to the increase of non vegetation areas. Therefore, the current study aimed at proposing an environmental restoration of the Seco River and a management state program for the community in the short-term. Keywords: environmental restoration, river pollution, aquatic ecosystem.

Keywords

environmental restoration, river pollution, aquatic ecosystem.