North Of Argentina Research Articles

Lethality and histopathological alterations caused by Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom from Argentina: Neutralization of lethality by experimental and therapeutic antivenoms

Although the spiders of the genus Phoneutria cause envenomation and their presence has been described in several provinces of the north of Argentina, they are not as common as other spiders of sanitary importance. In the present work, we studied the toxicity of samples of venom of Phoneutria spiders from the provinces of Misiones (where severe envenomation and deaths by Phoneutria have been recorded) and Jujuy (where no deaths have been recorded and severe envenomations are not frequent). To this end, we assessed the lethal potency in mice and guinea pigs and the histopathological alterations caused by both venoms, as well as the neutralization by the commonly used therapeutic antivenom produced by the Butantan Institute in Brazil and by an experimental antivenom developed with venom of P. nigriventer from Misiones. There were no differences in the lethality of the venoms of spiders from both regions. Post mortem examination showed that the heart and lungs were the most affected organs, while important pulmonary edema was seen macroscopically. Histological analysis showed edema, atelectasis, emphysema and cardiac lesion in both experimental models. The antivenoms assayed showed good neutralization of the venoms in the two experimental models. Despite the different geographic origins, the venoms showed similar toxicity and both the experimental antivenom and therapeutic antivenmos were able to neutralize the venoms of Argentinean P. nigriventer.

Appropriations, needs and rights of radio communication in the North of Argentina

espanolLas practicas que vinculan a las personas con los dispositivos comunicacionales pueden pensarse como respuestas a necesidades de los grupos sociales que promueven formas diversas de hacer, pensar y gestionar la comunicacion. En esa articulacion entre publico, medios y politicas de comunicacion se expresaria un modo de reconocer el derecho a la comunicacion. Sin embargo, la demanda mediante la cual se expresa la necesidad de la comunicacion como derecho no necesariamente agota la diversidad de formas posibles del derecho a la comunicacion ni tampoco las maneras de atenderlas. El trabajo propone ensayar los argumentos que sostienen la siguiente idea: si en el caso de la Argentina, las actuales politicas publicas de comunicacion reconocen como fundamento los principios de pluralidad y democracia, y, ademas, es posible dar cuenta de una diversidadde modalidades de apropiacion y uso de los medios en virtud de diversas necesidades. Entonces resulta fundamental para las politicas de comunicacion en la diversidad reconocer la multiplicidad de necesidades simbolicas y de sus formas de satisfacerlas. EnglishPractices that link people with communication devices can be thought of as responses to needs of social groups that give rise to different ways of doing, thinking and managing communication. In this articulation between public, media and communication policies, a way of recognizing the right to communication would express. However, the demand by which the need for communication as a right is expressed not necessarily wear out the range of possible forms of communication rights nor the ways to address them. This paper proposes to test, in the case of Argentina, the arguments supporting the idea that current policies of public communication are based upon the principles of pluralism and democracy, and also it is possible to show a variety of forms of appropriation and use of means under diverse needs. It is essential for communication policies and development of diversity to recognize the multiplicity of symbolic needs and their ways of satisfying them.

Redescription and synonymies of Diplura macrura (C.L. Koch, 1841) and D. lineata (Lucas, 1857), with notes on the genus (Araneae, Dipluridae)

Diplura C.L. Koch, 1850 is a mygalomorph genus with putative records from Central and South America. The type-species Diplura macrura (C.L. Koch, 1841), originally described from West Indies, is poorly known and represented only by its holotype. Most of the 20 species currently included in the genus lack modern taxonomic descriptions, as D. lineata (Lucas, 1857), from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Males and females of Diplura macrura and D. lineata are herein redescribed. New junior synonyms of D. macrura are identified (Linothele bicolor (Simon, 1889), Diplura uniformis Mello-Leitão, 1923, and the two junior synonyms of the latter species, Thalerothele minensis Mello-Leitão, 1926 and T. aurantiaca Mello-Leitão, 1943). Also, two junior synonyms are established for D. lineata: Diplura fasciata (Bertkau, 1880) and Diplura nigridorsi (Mello-Leitão, 1924). The type-locality of D. macrura is corrected to São João del Rei, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. D. macrura is restricted to the state of Minas Gerais and D. lineata to the state of Rio de Janeiro. The type-locality of D. parallela (Mello-Leitão, 1923) is also corrected from Argentina to Paraná state, Brazil. The distribution of Diplura is now restricted from south Panama to north Argentina, excluding previous erroneous records for Cuba and West Indies. The six synonymies herein established help to clarify the genus composition, which includes now 17 valid species.

SIMULAÇÃO NUMÉRICA DE DOIS SISTEMAS CONVECTIVOS DE MESOESCALA UTILIZANDO O MODELO WRF

The model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) was used in order to simulate two Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) with different characteristics in order to analyze how variables such as wind directional shear and thickness gradient are modified within the MCSs along its entire duration. The first event is a linear MCS that extended from the north of Argentina to the South Atlantic in November 30, 2009 and the second is a circular MCS or MCC (mesoscale convective complex) that occurred on the RS and Uruguay on November 18, 2009. The two systems were identified through images of the satellite GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) using an automatic tracking of MCSs and for the simulation of events in WRF we used the data reanalysis of CFSR (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis). The simulation results indicated that the rate of reduction thickness gradient is greater in the circular case than in the linear case and at the time that events are initiated the wind directional shear is higher in the linear case but he reduces until the moment of dissipation of the MCS different than occurs in MCC, which has an increased wind directional shear when the system is almost dissipating.

High prevalence of "Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii" in Amblyomma ticks from a Spotted Fever Endemic Region in North Argentina.

Ticks from an endemic Spotted Fever region in Argentina were analysed by PCR for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae. DNA of "Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii" was found in 21.3% of Amblyomma hadanii and in 44.0% of A. neumanni. Amblyomma sculptum (formerly A. cajennense) and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi were negative for rickettsial DNA. DNA of Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiological agent of the clinical cases reported within the studied region was not detected in the analysed sample.

Revision of Plumarius Philippi 1873 (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea, Plumariidae) from Argentina north of Patagonia, with description of eighteen new species.

Twenty six species of Plumarius from Argentina north of Patagonia are revised. Eighteen new species: Plumarius politus sp. nov., P. sarophorus sp. nov., P. globulosus sp. nov., P. angulatus sp. nov., P. noa sp. nov., P. divergens sp. nov., P. malaris sp. nov., P. gracilior sp. nov., P. riojanus sp. nov., P. exophthalmus sp. nov., P. planatus sp. nov., P. albinervis sp. nov., P. truncatus sp. nov., P. mikrommatus sp. nov., P. obscurus sp. nov., P. gracilis sp. nov., P. fidalgoi sp. nov., and P. ocellulatus sp. nov. are described and illustrated. A new record for known species as well as a key to 26 known species in the region is given. A redescription of P. tumidulus Papp, 2000, which is the first record of the family Plumariidae from Uruguay, is done.

Immunomodulatory activity of Apis mellifera propolis from the North of Argentina

Propolis is a bee hive product with complex chemical composition that was used as medicine from ancient times. The immunomodulatory activity of partially purified propolis extracts (PPPEs), galangin and pinocembrin was studied through their in vitro effect on neutrophil chemotactic and phagocytic activities. PPPEs (15 samples from each of 10 different beehives) were more effective (around 45% and 50% for a concentration of 40 μg of PPPEs/mL of active substance) as chemotactic agents than galangin and pinocembrin (around 20 and 25%, respectively) and showed higher neutrophil phagocitic activity (270 ± 10% for beehive 10) than galangin and pinocembrin (180 ± 10 and 135 ± 9%, respectively). The highest effect of PPPEs can be attributed to a synergistic effect among components of PPPEs. The results of this study indicated that PPPEs, galangin and pinocembrin stimulate neutrophil chemotactic activity at various concentrations suggesting their possible use for patients suffering neutrophil disfunction. The nitro blue tetrazolium results indicated that the extracts and isolated flavonoids have the capacity to scavenge active radicals suggesting that they would be valuable in the treatment of diseases associated with free radical damage.Consequently, the in vitro results suggest a potential value of these propolis extracts in the medical field.

Diet composition and feeding habits of the eyespot skate, Atlantoraja cyclophora (Elasmobranchii: Arhynchobatidae), off Uruguay and northern Argentina

ABSTRACT The eyespot skate, Atlantoraja cyclophora, is an endemic species from the southwestern Atlantic, occurring from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to northern Patagonia, Argentina. The feeding habits of this species, from off Uruguay and north Argentina, were evaluated using a multiple hypothesis modelling approach. In general, the diet was composed mainly of decapod crustaceans, followed by teleost fishes. Molluscs, mysidaceans, amphipods, isopods, lancelets and elasmobranchs were consumed in lower proportion. The consumption of shrimps drecreased with increasing body size of A. cyclophora. On the other hand, the consumption of teleosts increased with body size. Mature individuals preyed more heavily on crabs than immature individuals. Teleosts were consumed more in the south region (34º - 38ºS) and crabs in the north region (38º - 41ºS). Shrimps were eaten more in the warm season than in the cold season. Prey size increased with increasing body size of A. cyclophora , but large individuals also consumed small teleosts and crabs. Atlantoraja cyclophora has demersal-benthic feeding habits, shifts its diet with increasing body size and in response to seasonal and regional changes in prey availability and distribution.

Chara nikolskae, a new name for Chara elliptica Nikolskaja (1984) non Fritzsche (1924) and Aclistochara elliptica (Fritzsche) comb. nov. (Characeae)

The fossil species Chara elliptica Nikolskaja (1984: 1092) was established on the gyrogonite remains from the Holocene sediments of Majkara (Kazakhstan, Central Asia). However, according to Art. 53.1 of ICN (McNeill et al., 2012) this name is illegitimate because of the existence of an overlooked earlier homonym, Chara elliptica Fritzsche (1924: 93) which was originally described from the earlier Cretaceous (Campanian) deposits of Tres Cruces and Negra Muerta, Province Jujuy, North Argentina (South America). Due to the creation of the International Fossil Plant Names Index with listing of all fossil plant and algal species, the fact of the homonymy between fossil species was solidly established (IFPNI, 2014-).

Morphological and ITS2 Molecular Characterization of Ribeiroia Cercariae (Digenea: Psilostomidae) from Biomphalaria spp. (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Northern Argentina.

Species of Ribeiroia use planorbid snails as intermediate host. Since there is little information about these digenean parasites in South America, we aimed to assess whether Ribeiroia cercariae from 3 north Argentina locations belonged to the same species and differed from Ribeiroia cercariae described elsewhere. Specimens were obtained from Biomphalaria tenagophila and Biomphalaria orbignyi (Salta Province), and Biomphalaria occidentalis (Corrientes Province). Morphological traits of cercariae were analyzed, as well as their sequence of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The ITS2 region consisted of 426 nucleotides identical in all samples, suggesting that all specimens belong to the same species in spite of their morphological differences and first intermediate host species. Comparison of the ITS2 region with GenBank database records showed that specimens from Argentina were different from Ribeiroia ondatrae (0.9% divergence), Ribeiroia marini (0.7% divergence), and Cercaria lileta (0.2% divergence). In summary, morphological, ecological, and ITS2 molecular data suggest that specimens from Argentina belong to a different species.

Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru: A Survey of the Families. Mauroniscidae Majer, 1994

Diversity in Peru: 2 genera, 5 species. Recognition: Adults of the family Mauroniscidae are similar to melyrids of the subfamily Dasytinae, but recognized by their small size, usually 3–4 mm; color, often with elytra and legs pale; head and mouthparts of some narrowed and elongated; antennae often with terminal antennomeres enlarged forming a loose club; and tarsal claws not toothed and lacking membranous appendages. Adults are not sexually dimorphic and the sexes are very difficult to distinguish. Larvae are unknown. Habitat: Adults of Mauroniscidae typically occur in desert regions where they can be found on flowers feeding on nectar, pollen, and occasionally other arthropods. Personal observations (AJM) suggest adults are active primarily in the morning and in the afternoon, and can be collected beating or sweeping flowers of desert plants in the families Asteraceae (Puecephyllum), Bignoniaceae (Chilopsis), Chenopodiaceae (Atriplex), Lamiaceae (Hyptis), Loasaceae (Eucnide, Mentzelia), and Rosaceae (Fallugia). The larvae and thus biology of species of Mauroniscidae is completely unknown. Notes: The family Mauroniscidae was described by Majer (1994) based primarily on characters of the antennomeres, mouthparts and tarsal claws (see above). Recent molecular data (Bocakova et al., 2011) confirm placement of the family as a basal clade within the melyrid lineage. The family is known only from the Americas ranging from Chile and Argentina North to the southwestern United States where some species occur as far east as Kansas. Blackwelder (1957) did not report members of this recently described family from Peru. However, some species can be found listed under the genera Dasytes (Dasytes titschacki Pic) and Sydates (Sydates discipennis Pic) in Melyridae. The five genera and 27 species of Mauroniscidae were monographed by Majer (1995), who recorded five species in two genera from Peru. The main characters that will differentiate species of Mauroniscidae from other families of the melyrid lineage in Peru, are the small size, and simple tarsal claws lacking membranous (ungual) appendages. Most recently, Howell (1997) described Mecomycter majeri from the Sonoran desert region of southern California. All members of the family occur in desert or prairie regions, and there are probably many new species to be found in the desert regions of Peru. Images of a few North American species can be found on BugGuide at http://bugguide.net/node/view/ 748441. The following checklist of validated names was derived from Majer (1995).

How are wetlands and biological interactions related to carnivore distributions at high altitude?

Determining the geographic range of species is a main objective in ecology and has implications for conservation. Key determinants of carnivore distribution in dry environments are competition and the availability of water. Here, we gathered and mapped the available information on carnivore habitat quality in the high Andes and Puna in the extreme north of Argentina. We investigated four carnivore species: the Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita), the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), the cougar (Puma concolor) and the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus). We assessed the main determinants of their distribution, testing explicitly for the effects of seasonal and temporal wetlands and biological interactions. We used species distribution models, and created biophysical models using environmental and landscape variables. Then, by including the four species' biophysical models into the model of the focal species, we tested for the importance of biological interactions. Wetlands were most important for the culpeo fox, most likely because it uses aquatic birds as prey. The cougar was the least restricted species in this arid environment, perhaps due to its large home range. In general, environmental variables, distances to wetlands and the annual range of temperature defined species’ distributions better than did biological interactions. Only the distribution of the Andean cat, a specialized species, was influenced by biological interactions with the Pampas cat.

Diagnosis of Leishmania infection in a nonendemic area of South America

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is the generic name for a variety of cutaneous and mucocutaneous presentations of parasitosis caused by several species of the genus Leishmania. This is a widespread infection in the American continent, from the South of the United States to the North of Argentina. We herein describe the management of a patient with American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Mendoza, Argentina, a nonendemic area of South America, whose diagnosis and treatment were significantly delayed, because the patient did not report a recent history of travel to any known endemic areas. This case stresses the need for training health-care professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of not only endemic parasitosis within their work zones but also nonendemic parasitosis.

Paracoccidioides species complex: ecology, phylogeny, sexual reproduction, and virulence.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a deep systemic mycosis caused by human fungal pathogens of the Paracoccidioides genus. The disease is geographically restricted to subtropical areas of Latin America (from south of Mexico to north of Argentina) with a high prevalence in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina [1]. The annual incidence rate in Brazil is 10–30 infections per million inhabitants, and the mean mortality rate is 1.4 per million inhabitants per year, making this disease the highest cause of mortality among systemic mycoses [2]. PCM is endemic in rural populations and mainly affects individuals engaged in agricultural activities, who inhale aerosols containing fungal material during manipulation of the soil. Molecular evolutionary studies place the genus Paracoccidioides in the thermodimorphic fungal pathogen clade related to the family Ajellomycetaceae (Ascomycetes), which includes the Blastomyces, Histoplasma, and Emmonsia genera, and with which it shares a common ancestor, Lacazia loboi. PCM can be caused by two species Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii [3]. P. brasiliensis has been considered a single species since its discovery, although several studies including molecular and morphological data support the split of P. brasiliensis into two species [3,4]. P. lutzii is composed of a single monophyletic and recombining population so far found in central, southwest, and north Brazil and Ecuador [3–5]. On the other hand, P. brasiliensis contains a complex of at least four different cryptic species (S1, PS2, PS3 and PS4; Figure 1A [6]). P. brasiliensis S1 represents a monophyletic and recombining population widely distributed in South America and has been associated with the majority of cases of PCM detected up until the present time. Strains belonging to P. brasiliensis S1 have previously been recovered from armadillos, soil, and penguin feces [6]. P. brasiliensis PS2 is a paraphyletic and recombining population identified so far only in Brazil and Venezuela [6]. P. brasiliensis PS3 is comprised of a monophyletic and clonal population that has been recovered in humans and armadillos in endemic regions of Colombia [6]. P. brasiliensis PS4 was recently identified and is composed of a monophyletic population of clinical isolates from Venezuela [5,7]. Besides the typical bicorn cocked hat– and barrel-shaped conidia produced by both species, P. lutzii frequently produces elongated rod-shaped conidia, a characteristic feature that may be used for species identification [3]. Because of the difficulties of conidia production in the laboratory and slight morphological differences among species, molecular identification of Paracoccidioides species has become the most common tool of choice. Several molecular markers have already been applied in population studies of the Pararacoccidioides genus, and for multilocus sequencing typing, gp43, arf, b-tub, and hsp70 loci are the best choices for species delineation [4,6].

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections in a pediatric hospital in Argentina.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged at the Pediatric Hospital of Misiones Province, north Argentina, in 2003 as a cause of community-acquired (CA) infections, mostly associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). This study aimed to assess the microbiological, epidemiological, and clinical features of CA-MRSA SSTIs treated at the hospital. From 2003 through 2006, a longitudinal study on CA-MRSA SSTIs was conducted. Clinical, bacteriological, and molecular data were collected and analyzed by multiple correspondences and cluster analysis (MCCA). A total of 138 children were enrolled; 55.8% of the children required hospitalization. The main clinical presentation was abscesses (51%). Antibiotic therapy in the previous six months was registered in 41% of the patients, and 72% of the patients had relatives with similar symptoms. Resistance to non-b-lactam antibiotics was found in less than 12% of patients. All 44 isolates carried staphylococcal cassette chromosomemec (SCCmec) type IV, and 30/44 had Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) coding genes. Six pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were detected from 17 isolates. MCCA hierarchic classification resulted in four distinctive patient classes (new variable). No relationship could be observed regarding the PVL detection, as PVL (+) isolates were detectedin all classes; the same lack of significance was observed concerning the distribution of resistance to non-β-lactam antibiotics. This study increases the understanding and knowledge about CA-MRSA skin and soft tissue infections in pediatric patients. Continuous efforts should be made to control this significant public health problem.

ACTIVE GERMPLASM BANK OF STRAWBERRY (BGA) IN ARGENTINA

During the 90s in Tucuman, north of Argentina, the Active Germplasm Bank (BGA) of strawberry was established and initiated its collection with an interdisciplinary vision. The main objectives of BGA are: collect, preserve, propagate, provide researchers and investigate strawberry germplasm, for breeding programs and for different research lines. The BGA is a national and regional reference of strawberry germplasm with accessions from different localities of Argentina and other countries. The preserved germplasm is characterized botanically, genetically, molecularly, phytopathologically and agriculturally. Different degrees of resistance to fungal pathogens and other diseases were found. Approximately 200 genotypes are preserved, including cultivars of commercial strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) and related wild species as: Duchesnea indica, Duchesnea chrysantha, Potentilla tucumanensis, Fragaria chiloensis, Fragaria vesca, Fragaria virginiana and hybrids (intergeneric and intraspecies). The BGA uses four conservation modes: 1) in vitro multiplication of materials in laboratory conditions, 2) in vivo conservation and propagation under controlled conditions, 3) in vivo preservation in nursery (field conditions) and 4) stored seeds of wild species.

Climate change and the potential spread of Sorghum halepense in the central area of Argentina based on growth, biomass allocation and eco-physiological traits

Despite the research dedicated to understand the potential climate change impacts on cropping systems, little attention has been given to potential effects on the geographic range of agricultural weeds. This paper reviews some biological and eco-physiological features of Sorghum halepense populations and their current and potential spread in a central eco-region of Argentina. Above ground biomass accumulation of the weed shows very high accumulation rates, which in the case of rhizomes is boosted as the available resources in propagule increases. An increase in temperature by 15 % may increase the relative growth rate (RGR) by 50 % in a 20–90 days growth period. Not only biomass output but also biomass allocation is directly related to adaptation in changing environments. Populations adapted to limited water conditions are able to maintain a higher RGR under water restriction as compared to those adapted to more humid conditions. Regarding the temperature, climate models are coincident: a range of increase from 0.9 °C in the south to 1.4 °C in the north of Argentina is predicted for 2020–2040, as compared to the period 1961–1990. Concerning the rainfall, not yet a prediction but a real fact is the displacement of isohyets from east to south. The average frequency of the weed in the pool of fields recently surveyed in the central region was 37 %, which increased to 42 % in the field borders. We consider that this frequency is high, since all crop fields are managed with high technology level and herbicides have been applied not only during the crop cycles, but also in previous fallows. The high RGR and other physiological features of weed populations at low water availability, which is more frequent in the west of the surveyed region where the frontier of extensive crops have recently displaced, may explain higher frequencies found. Well-adapted S. halepense populations invading rainfed crops in this eco-region will likely to take advantage under the forthcoming forecasted climatic conditions. Since temperatures increase from east to west as shown in climograms, S. halepense populations will likely perform even better under the new climate conditions. Coupling the actual management to physiological traits, it is envisaged an increase of the weed frequency in the surveyed eco-regions.

An assessment of the metabolic profile implied by agricultural change in two rural communities in the North of Argentina

The soy expansion model in Argentina generates structural changes in traditional lifestyles, which can be associated with different biophysical and socioeconomic impacts. To explore this issue, we apply an innovative method for integrated assessment—the multi-scale integrated analysis of societal and ecosystem metabolism framework—to characterize two communities in the Chaco Region, Province of Formosa, North of Argentina. These communities have recently experienced the expansion of soy production, altering their economic activity, energy consumption patterns, land use and human time allocation. The integrated characterization presented in the paper illustrates the differences (biophysical, socioeconomic and historical) between the two communities that can be associated with different responses. The analysis of the factors behind these differences has important policy implications for the sustainable development of local communities in the area.

Morphology and DNA sequence data reveal the presence of Globodera ellingtonae in the Andean region

Potato cyst nematodes, G. rostochiensis and G. pallida, are the most economically important nematode pests of potatoes worldwide and are subject to strict quarantine regulations in many countries. Globodera ellingtonae was recently described from Oregon (USA), with its host-plant in the field being still unknown. Roots of Andean potatoes from the North of Argentina have been found attacked by this nematode, providing further evidence that this is a potato cyst nematode species, along with G. pallida and G. rostochiensis. New information about morphological, biological and molecular aspects of G. ellingtonae is provided for diagnostic purposes. The Argentine population showed morphological differences from specimens from Oregon; therefore, new diagnostic characters were defined to differentiate G. ellingtonae from its closest species. The Hsp90 gene was shown to be a good diagnostic marker for discriminating the three PCN species. The importance of the detection of G. ellingtonae on potatoes in the Andean region is not restricted to a regional level, since the nematode is also present in USA. This species can pose a serious problem to potato crop, especially when infected tubers are used as seeds. The distribution in the South American Andes is likely to extend the currently known distribution areas because cysts are passively transported. There is a need to evaluate the possible damage it may cause to potato crops. Morphological and molecular diagnoses conducted in this work provide fundamental information for the protection of potato crops not only in those countries in the Americas where the species has already been detected, but also worldwide.

Biomass Feedstock Availability for the Supply of Bioenergy in the Lerma Valley (Salta, Argentina): an Evaluation for Territorial Energy Planning

Argentina plans to reach from 3% to 10% biomass participation for the internal supply of primary energy for 2015. However, biomass exploitation requires detailed studies at a local level for territorial energy planning, to achieve the expected energy and environmental benefits. This study, performed in the north of Argentina (Lerma Valley, province of Salta) is a step in this direction. The objective was to identify, characterize and quantify biomass feedstock availability in the region and its energy supply, studying the demand and utilization alternatives; and building different methodologies of quantification. The feedstock examined includes agricultural waste (AWB), municipal solid waste (MSW), and woody biomass (three main ecosystems and four species of Acacias spp.). They are annually producing 17,800 t.yr-1 (equivalent to 206,000 GJ.yr-1) of AWB; 24,100 t.yr-1 (around 34,000 GJ.yr-1 as biogas) of MSW (wet weight) and 213,000 t.yr-1 (or 3.1 million of GJ.yr-1) of woody biomass. The Acacias constitute 74% of the Shrubland’s potential bioenergy (213,000 GJ.yr-1). This report will make possible the application of realistic energy projects for the area, promoting efficient exploitation of resources and generating positive local impact. The main bottlenecks for the implementation of such projects and some possible strategic solutions are identified. The proposed methodologies might be used to other geographical regions, within programs of territorial energy planning. In addition, the new data set of available worldwide biomass resources and the scientific knowledge in the field of bioenergy that has been generated, both constitute fundamental contributions for bioenergy promotion.