Abstract

GRONDONA, Sebastián; SAGUA, Marisa; MASSONE, Héctor  and  MIGLIORANZA, Karina. Social vulnerability assessment associated with groundwater consumption in the Quequén Grande river basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.4, pp.351-359. ISSN 0188-4999.

Buenos Aires Province is characterized by the predominance of extensive farming and groundwater use as the main source of supply, which highlights the need to develop a sustainable use of this resource. The aim of this study was to assess the social vulnerability by consuming water from aquifers at risk of contamination by pesticide use. Social vulnerability is defined as "risk exposure involving an inability to confront and an inability to actively adapt to the situation". A Quality of Life Index (QLI) was developed by identifying and analyzing quantitative indicators linked to the phenomenon studied and defined in three dimensions (health, education and livelihood). The inquiry resulted in a map showing a predominance of the category "moderate social vulnerability". Analysis of the variables indicated that percentage of population in primary activity, percentage of population in the considered fraction and percentage of population without medical insurance are the main contributions to the final index calculated. This map can be used for groundwater management, considering areas where the population is more susceptible to negative impacts if the aquifer is impacted by the use of pesticides.

Keywords : pollution; aquifer; pesticides.