Abstract

CARRETERO, Silvina  and  KRUSE, Eduardo. Impact of Urbanization on Infiltration in a Coastal Area, Argentina. Tecnol. cienc. agua [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.6, pp.5-24. ISSN 2007-2422.

In the northeastern coast of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the evolution of the coastal sand-dune, land-use changes due to urbanization and the effects on infiltration to the phreatic aquifer were analyzed. Taking into consideration the nature of the dunes (active or fixed) the modifications in the northern, central and southern sectors were evaluated from aerial photographs and satellite imagery (1958-2995). The cartography was processed with ArcGis v9.2 using the Spatial Analyst Tools. Well measurements were carried out to draw isophreatic and isovariation maps between 2006 and 2007. Water balances (1959-2011) were carried out, with the water surplus (430 mm/year) being directly transformed into recharge to the aquifer. Between 1958 and 2005, the active dune was reduced by 4% in the northern sector, 16% in the central sector and 24% in the southern sector. The relationship between urbanization and infiltration over time in the central sector, considering 3 zones with different responses to infiltration (zones 1, 2 and 3), was analyzed. The zone with a natural dune (zone 2) has disappeared since 1984, while the zones with different degrees of urbanization (zones 1 and 3) have increased in surface. Associated with these variations, recharge decreased 2.31 hm³ in 1958 and 1.19 hm³ in 2005, resulting in a reduction of 48% over 47 years. This analysis is useful for decision makers when establishing land-use management guidelines and a sustainable use of the water resources.

Keywords : Coastal dunes; coastal aquifer; land-use; recharge; Partido de La Costa; Argentina.

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