Divergent perspectives about water security: hydrosocial transformations in the metropolitan region of Montevideo (Uruguay)

The Montevideo Metropolis, where more than half of Uruguay's population resides, is supplied with water from the Santa Lucía River (SLR), which faces increasing problems of water quality and quantity. In 2020, in the context of national government political changes, a hydraulic project (called Neptuno) involving the construction of a purification plant using water from the Río de la Plata estuary (close to the SLR basin), was proposed by a consortium of private companies. The aim of this paper is to analyze the arguments to support and oppose the Neptuno Project, as well as the hydrosocial transformations promoted by it in the SLR basin, including the scalar strategies adopted. Primary and secondary data (interviews, participant observation, and document analysis) were triangulated. Coalitions pro and against the greater involvement of the private sector with water supply services were identified. Our research shows that diverse perspectives of water security, related to different hydrosocial projects, reflect opposed interests and divergent objectives in a context of disputes within asymmetrical power relationships. This has been reactivating the coalition of the historic conflict against the privatization processes that preceded the constitutional reform in Uruguay in 2004. This coalition, against the Neptuno project, carried out a “jump scale,” taking the issue from the local to the national scale.Agencia Nacional de Investigación e InnovaciónComisión Académica de Posgrad

Characterization of the benthic environment of a coastal area adjacent to an oil refinery, Todos os Santos Bay (NE-Brazil)

Com o intuito de determinar as características sedimentológicas e físico-químicas do ambiente bentônico e também o nível, distribuição e prováveis fontes dos hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e policíclicos aromáticos, foram coletadas amostras de sedimento em 28 estações localizadas na porção nordeste da Baía de Todos os Santos. A região central e leste da área de estudo apresentaram características de ambientes deposicionais com predomínio de silte e argila e com maiores teores de carbono orgânico total, nitrogênio e enxofre. As razões C/N variaram entre 8,8 e 27,6 indicando uma origem mista da matéria orgânica com contribuições marinha e continental relativamente variáveis. As concentrações de hidrocarbonetos alifáticos totais variaram entre 1,56 e 246,91 µg.g-1 de sedimento seco, correspondendo as maiores concentrações às estações localizadas na região central e leste da área de estudo. A Mistura Complexa não Resolvida (UCM) representou entre 60 e 90% dos hidrocarbonetos alifáticos totais, indicando um alto grau de contribuição antrópica e a presença de resíduos de petróleo degradado. As concentrações de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos totais variaram de 8 a 4163 ng.g-1 de sedimento seco. A maior concentração de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos foi registrada na estação 5 situada na área adjacente à refinaria de petróleo.In order to determine the sedimentological and physico-chemical characteristics of the benthic environment and also the level, distribution and probable sources of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sediment samples were collected at 28 stations in the northeast portion of Todos os Santos Bay. The centre and the east region of the study area showed characteristics of depositional environments with the predominance of silt and clay and high percentages of TOC, nitrogen and sulphur. The molar C/N ratios varied between 8.8 and 27.6 indicating a mixed origin of organic matter with variable marine and continental contributions. Total aliphatic hydrocarbon concentrations ranged between 1.56 and 246.91 µg.g-1 dry weight, corresponding the high concentrations to the stations situated in the centre and in the east region of the study area. The UCM represented between 60 and 96% of the total aliphatic hydrocarbons, indicating a high degree of anthropogenic contribution and the presence of petroleum degraded residues. Total PAH concentrations varied from 8 to 4163 ng.g-1 dry weight. The highest total PAH concentration was recorded at station 5 situated adjacent to the oil refinery

Response of estuarine free-living nematode assemblages to organic enrichment:an experimental approach

Organic enrichment, especially from anthropogenic sources, is one of the currentthreats to coastal marine biodiversity. Organic enrichment occurs mainly in sheltered soft bottoms,characterized by fine sediments, and results in multiple changes in the benthic habitat, includinghypoxia and an increased concentration of compounds that are toxic to marine invertebrates. Wereport on the results of a microcosm-based experiment (duration = 30 d), quantifying the effects oforganic enrichment on taxonomic and functional diversity of nematode assemblages from anopen/closed coastal lagoon of South America (Rocha Lagoon, Uruguay). In open/closed lagoons,the input of organic matter becomes a major disturbance due the limitation in water renewal. Inour experiment, enrichment led to reductions in abundance, richness and trophic diversity of thenematode assemblage. Rapid reductions in total abundance (after 4 d) were registered, while richnessdecreased only towards the end of the experiment (~30 d). Trophic changes were characterizedby loss of predators/omnivores and dominance of selective deposit-feeders and epigrowthfeeders.By contrast, we did not find any selective effect of enrichment associated with life historytraits (e.g. maturity index). Overall, these findings have 2 important implications for the conservationand monitoring of the health of coastal lagoons: first, monitoring of nematode assemblages atthe genus level is sufficient to detect enrichment effects; second, an index of trophic diversitywould be a good indicator of the effects of enrichment on natural communities.Fil: Kandratavicius, Noelia. Universidad de la República de Uruguay; UruguayFil: Pastor, Catalina Teresa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; ArgentinaFil: Venturini, Natalia. Universidad de la República de Uruguay; UruguayFil: Giménez, Luis. Bangor University; Reino UnidoFil: Rodriguez, Marcel. Universidad de la República de Uruguay; UruguayFil: Muniz, Pablo. Universidad de la República de Uruguay; Urugua

Mg(II) and Ni(II) induce aggregation of poly(rA)poly(rU) to either tetra-aggregate or triplex depending on the metal ion concentration

The ability of magnesium(II) and nickel(II) to induce dramatic conformational changes in the synthetic RNA poly(rA)poly(rU) has been investigated. Kinetic experiments, spectrofluorometric titrations, melting experiments and DSC measurements contribute in shedding light on a complex behaviour where the action of metal ions (Na+, Mg2+, Ni2+), in synergism with other operators as the intercalating dye coralyne and temperature, all concur in stabilising a peculiar RNA form. Mg2+ and Ni2+ (M) bind rapidly and almost quantitatively to the duplex (AU) to give a RNA/metal ion complex (AUM). Then, by the union of two AUM units, an unstable tetraaggregate (UAUA(M2)*) is formed which, in the presence of a relatively modest excess of metal, evolves to the UAUM triplex by releasing a single AM strand. On the other hand, under conditions of high metal content, the UAUA(M2)* intermediate rearranges to give a more stable tetra-aggregate (UAUA(M2)). As concerns the role of coralyne (D), it is found that D strongly interacts with UAUA(M2). Also, in the presence of coralyne, the ability of divalent ions to promote the transition of AUD into UAUD is enhanced, according to the efficiency sequence [Ni2+]≫[Mg2+]≫[Na+]

Diatoms, protein and carbohydrate sediment content as proxies for coastal eutrophication in Montevideo, Rio de la Plata Estuary, Uruguay

Foi realizado um estudo da salinidade e da composição das diatomáceas presentes no sedimento superficial em relação ao conteúdo de proteínas/carboidratos na Baía de Montevidéu e região costeira adjacente. Foram obtidas amostras sazonalmente durante um ano ao longo de um gradiente de impacto ambiental humano, e as condições tróficas foram determinadas através da análise da composição bioquímica da matéria orgânica do sedimento superficial. A coocorrência de espécies de diatomáceas marinhas-salobras, (Actinocyclus curvatulus, Actinocyclus gallicus, Coscinodiscus excentricus, Coscinodiscus radiatus, Hyalodiscus subtilis, Paralia sulcata) e diatomáceas indicadoras de águas doces (Aulacoseira granulata, Aulacoseira italica, Aulacoseira muzzanensis, Actinocyclus normanii, Amphora copulata, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Nitzschia linearis) sugerem condições mixohalinas estuarinas na área de estudo. As estações amostradas dentro da baía, próximas às fontes contaminadoras, apresentam condições hipertróficas apontadas pelos maiores valores de proteínas e pela alta abundância relativa de Actinocyclus normanii e Cyclotella meneghiniana, sendo que ambas espécies são consideradas cosmopolitas e indicadoras de degradação aquática. As concentrações de proteínas e carboidratos, bem como os pigmentos fotossintéticos registrados na região costeira adjacente sugerem condições meso-eutróficas e uma diluição dos níveis de contaminação do interior da baía rumo à região externa. A análise multivariada entre espécies de diatomáceas e parâmetros ambientais indica que o gradiente trófico possui hierarquicamente maior peso que a salinidade na explicação da distribuição das diatomáceas. Os resultados obtidos demonstram um aperfeiçoamento na habilidade de determinar a contaminação orgânica dentro da área de estudo, já que pela primeira vez tanto as variáveis orgânicas quanto os biopolímeros foram introduzidos como ferramenta para a determinação da relação degradação/saúde de uma das mais populosas regiões do Río de la Plata.A study on sediment surface diatom composition in relation to both protein/carbohydrate content and salinity was carried out in Montevideo Bay and the adjacent coastal zone. Samples were seasonally taken during one year along a human impact gradient, and the trophic conditions were assessed from the biochemical composition of the surface sediment organic matter. The co-occurrence of the marine-brackish (Actinocyclus curvatulus, Actinocyclus gallicus, Coscinodiscus excentricus, Coscinodiscus radiatus, Hyalodiscus subtilis, Paralia sulcata) and freshwater diatom flora (Aulacoseira granulata, Aulacoseira italica, Aulacoseira muzzanensis, Actinocyclus normanii, Amphora copulata, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Nitzschia linearis), suggests myxohaline estuarine conditions in the study area. The sampling stations located within the bay, close to several contamination sources, exhibited hypertrophic conditions as indicated by the highest levels of protein content, but also by the high relative abundances of Actinocyclus normanii and Cyclotella meneghiniana, as both diatom species are very well established cosmopolitan proxies of aquatic degradation. The levels of both protein and carbohydrate content, but also photosynthetic pigments, recorded in the adjacent coastal zone suggest meso-eutrophic conditions as contamination levels from the inner bay might become diluted off shore. Multivariate diatom species-environmental data relationships, indicate that the trophic gradient is hierarchically more important than salinity in explaining the diatom distribution. The present data imply an improvement in our ability of assessing organic contamination in the study area, since both biological and biopolymer variables were introduced for the first time as a tool for assessing the benthic health/degradation in one of the most populated regions of the Río de la Plata

New sponge records (Porifera) from King George Island, Antarctica, including the description of Phorbas sp. nov.

Sponges are an important and abundant component of Antarctic marine ecosystems. They harbour a great diversity of species and play a key role in these fragile benthic communities. The aim of this study was to identify the sponges collected during the Peruvian scientific campaigns to Antarctica carried out in the austral summer of 2018 and 2019 (ANTAR XXV and ANTAR XXVI). Specimens were collected by van Veen grabbers and small dredges down to 215 m depth at Admiralty Bay, Maxwell Bay and the proximities of Bransfield Strait, along King George Island. Photographs and field notes were taken. After collection, the macroscopical features (colour, shape, surface characteristics and consistency) and the internal anatomy were assessed. Dissociated spicules and skeleton slides were prepared to characterise the shape and size of the spicules, and the type of skeleton organisation. Seven species, including four Demospongiae and three Hexactinellida, were identified. Mycale (Oxymycale) acerata Kirkpatrick, 1907 and Phorbas glaberrimus (Topsent, 1917) are new records for Mackellar Inlet (Admiralty Bay); Haliclona (Reniera) aff. altera (Topsent, 1901), Rossella antarctica Carter, 1872 and Rossella fibulata Schulze & Kirkpatrick, 1910 are firstly reported for Maxwell Bay; Rossella podagrosa Kirkpatrick, 1907 constitutes a new record for Maxwell Bay and Bransfield Strait; and Phorbas sp. nov. is new to science. Among the Antarctic species, Phorbas sp. nov. mostly resembles P. glaberrimus (Topsent, 1917) in spicule sizes (oxeas, acanthostyles and isochelae), but its morphology and skeleton organisation are different. Phorbas glaberrimus presents a massive shape and a choanosomal skeleton composed of multispicular fibres that end in a palisade at the ectosome; while, Phorbas sp. nov. has a ramose habit and a plumose choanosomal skeleton composed by spicules running towards a paratangential ectosomal skeleton. With this study, the number of sponge species recorded from King George Island raises to 36

Nuevas técnicas de Investigación en Trabajo Social

Puede hablarse de metodología, entendida como “el modo en que enfocamos los problemas y buscamos las respuestas” (Taylor y Bogdan, 1984:15). Esta definición reconoce que son las ideas que el investigador tiene sobre la realidad social las que seleccionan las técnicas de investigación. Esto implica, además, que hay formas de enfocar los problemas y maneras de buscar las respuestas, es decir, que ante cada problema hay que emplear una metodología adecuada. Tradicionalmente, la investigación social ha empleado metodologías cuantitativas, asociadas al positivismo, caracterizado por la búsqueda de explicaciones basadas en las causas de los fenómenos dados en una realidad considerada estable, la que es dividida en variables objetivas y cuantificables para producir conocimiento útil para el progreso, preferentemente especializado, de la sociedad. El desarrollo de la investigación social dio énfasis al llamado paradigma cuantitativo a partir de sus concepciones de "explicación”, "predicción”, "control", los cuales comenzaron a perder su hegemonía y fueron reemplazados por los términos de "comprensión", "significado", y "acción", es decir se produce un quiebre de paradigmas, se da paso desde un "Paradigma Cuantitativo" a un "Paradigma Cualitativo", el cual se basa, en la comprensión de fenómenos o hechos. Es justamente esta la importancia "dar razón de los hechos”, lo cual caracteriza a este nuevo paradigma y a la tradición aristotélica en donde su premisa es la "Comprensión" por medio de la observación y así llegar a principios generales. Como contraposición a este paradigma surgen diversas perspectivas motivadas por el empleo de técnicas cualitativas de investigación, que conciben una realidad dinámica en la que se dan fenómenos sociales que deben ser interpretados desde la perspectiva de los sujetos que los viven. Su orientación está en el proceso mismo de investigación más que en la obtención de resultados inmediatamente útiles, donde investigador y realidad se influencian y modifican mutuamente. No busca tanto la confiabilidad como sí la validez, es decir, que sus datos sean profundos y reales, a través de técnicas como la entrevista, la observación, los grupos focales, etc. Esto repercute en que sus resultados no pueden ser generalizados. Paradigmas basados en técnicas cualitativas son el interaccionismo simbólico, la fenomenología, la etnometodología y el existencialismo.Encuentro realizado junto con las V Jornadas de Sociología de la UNLP.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Aportes para una mejor comprensión de la gobernanza del agua y los conflictos hídricos en la Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía (Uruguay): Informe de Resultados del Proyecto GobHidro

Este informe presenta algunos de los resultados principales del Proyecto de investigación titulado “GobHidro: Territorios hidrosociales y gobernanza policéntrica: Aportes hacia una mejora en la calidad del agua en la Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía (Uruguay)”, desarrollado entre julio de 2020 y diciembre de 2022, con la financiación del Fondo María Viñas de la Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación. A partir de diversas fuentes de información (por ej., entrevistas con actores de diversos sectores y niveles de actuación, análisis de documentos y observación participante), el informe busca aportar a una mejor comprensión de la gobernanza del agua, los problemas identificados en la cuenca, y algunas de las medidas que han sido propuestas y/o adoptadas desde diferentes sectores para aportar a la solución de estos problemas.Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovació

Evaluación de la Comisión de Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía desde la perspectiva de sus participantes

En este informe se presentan resultados preliminares del Proyecto GobHidro referidos a la evaluación del funcionamiento de la Comisión de Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía, desde la perspectiva de sus participantes. Los resultados (a partir de las entrevistas realizadas) se organizan en: logros y aspectos positivos de la Comisión de Cuenca; dificultades y desafíos; y sugerencias para un mejor funcionamiento. Por último, se presentan algunas consideraciones finales que se desprenden de este trabajo.Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovació

Evaluación de la Comisión de Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía desde la perspectiva de sus participantes

En este informe se presentan resultados preliminares del Proyecto GobHidro referidos a la evaluación del funcionamiento de la Comisión de Cuenca del Río Santa Lucía, desde la perspectiva de sus participantes. Los resultados (a partir de las entrevistas realizadas) se organizan en: logros y aspectos positivos de la Comisión de Cuenca; dificultades y desafíos; y sugerencias para un mejor funcionamiento. Por último, se presentan algunas consideraciones finales que se desprenden de este trabajo.Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovació