The compilation of data collected during the last decade, as part of the institutional survey of bathing waters, urban wastes, registered protected areas etc, demonstrates that the treated effluent discharged at La Salie Ocean (Bay of Arcachon) can be divided into two distinct types. The first is of urban origin and mainly of microbiological concern. Whilst, the second is due to the chemical treatment of wood for paper making and is rich in dissolved organic matter. The results of a specific survey conducted in the summer of 1997 at 8 stations close to the discharge outlet, confirm a significant impact of the discharges over the southern zone, as previously predicted by mathematical models. These results lead to the reclassification of the water quality on... |