Work

Environmental audit in dairy farms: A method to identify and prevent impacts on groundwater

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dairy farming is a key economic activity in Argentina. To achieve sustained growth, farmers adopted various strategies, leading to intensified milk production, but also to increased and accelerated environmental impacts. This study sought to analyze the environmental performance of water use and management in dairy farms in the 'Mar y Sierras' region of the province of Buenos Aires. A diagnostic environmental audit was implemented in five diverse case studies, which were chosen based on production size, location, and socio-productive dynamics. The study involved three stages: (1) a holistic environmental characterization of the farms, (2) farm visits, interviews and chemical analysis of groundwater and wastewater, and (3) proposing mitigation measures for each farm. Production stages vary across farms depending on their physical environment. The critical points identified included the interrelationship between groundwater management, wastewater treatment and disposal. Mitigation proposals tailored to the specific environment of each farm were suggested. Additionally, goals and objectives were established to ensure compliance with current environmental regulations. In conclusion, the environmental audit method enabled to determine the dynamics and operations of the farms, identify the most environmentally critical points based on each farm's natural and socio-economic context and assess their compliance with current environmental regulations. • A diagnostic environmental audit methodology was applied in argentine dairy farms. • Water consumption averaged 41 m 3 /day across the farms. • Effluents exceeded provincial allowable limits for solids, nutrients, BOD, and COD. • The audit allowed to identify environmental critical aspects of dairy operations. • Environmental strategies for dairy farms focused on local context are needed.

Source: Cleaner Waste Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.clwas.2025.100220

Authors: Nicolás Eloy Cisneros Basualdo, Roberto Esteban Miguel, Roxana Banda Noriega, Alejandro Ruiz de Galarreta, Corina Iris Rodriguez

Institutions: Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas, National Agricultural Technology Institute, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,430