ECOTOXICOLOGY OF WATERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX

SITEL, Integrated Wastewater Treatment System of South Petrochemical C omplex, operated by CORSAN, the State Sanitation Company, has been con ducting toxicity tests since 1986 in order to complement the physico-c hemical analyses which had been showing unsatisfactory results. These tests were to assess performance of the tertiary stabilization ponds w here fishes have been found with deformities since 1983. Ever since th en toxicity tests have been a routine in SITEL's monitoring Procedures , and although they do not indicate the agents, they inform the effect s of the discharge of petrochemical effluents on the local biota, bein g one further step to secure and preserve local water resources. This paper summarizes the regular monitoring and studies SITEL has conducte d until now to evaluate the full Environmental impact: on waters in th e area of influence of the effluents of the South Petrochemical Comple x.