Preliminary assessment of water quality in the Rio Grande in the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo region

Abstract

This work evaluated water quality of the Rio Grande at Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and Laredo, Texas, an area stressed by the rapid population growth of the border region and the maquiladora industry. This study examined physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters, as well as total metals, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) from surface water samples collected from sites along the river and at potable water and residual water sites over the course of one week. The study found oil and grease and aluminum concentrations above permissible limits and numerous unregulated elements.