Water se environmental economy in the dairy agroindustrial sector in the center of Santa Fe, Argentina

Abstract

The general objective of the work is to evaluate, from a technical-economic and environmental point of view, the use of water resources throughout the dairy chain in the central-western of Santa Fe province. The stages under study were the primary sector and secondary, and the observation and data collection, from personal surveys and visits. The central analysis methods were Water Footprint (HH) and Water Footprint Profile (HA). The level of affectation on the water for those cases that present less efficiency can be improved and/or reduced through practices and adaptations in its infrastructure that optimize their processes. The impact study on water consumption, despite the fact that it is still being validated with different authors, has provided a preliminary scenario that allows each one to identify their contribution. It will be a future task to evaluate the secondary sector in this last aspect and continue working on the economic valuation of water.