La sécheresse : conséquences sur le milieu, salubrité, environnement

The drought: Consequences on natural surroundings, health and the environment

Agence de Bassin Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse, Pierre-Bénite

Abstract

A prolonged drought leads to a significant drop in water flow rates in acquatic environments the consequences of which are: an increase in the average concentration levels of pollutants, direct changes in processes such as sedimentation and superficial re-aeration with an impact on acquatic biocoenosis. Linked to possible increases in temperature there may be indirect effects on some chemical processes. Moreover, the reduction in quantities of fresh water can have an effect on some acquatic communities in estuary and lagoon environments and further increase the amount of time the water spends in stagnant environments with possible consequences on the intensity of processes such as eutrophication. Finally, there may be an impact on the quality of underground water following the appearance of conditions that reduce the amount of water exchange with the water nappe. Here we attempt to illustrate these different aspects and examine possible measures to reduce the effects of drought especially as regards pollutant waste.