As a result of an agreement signed by the Municipal Government of Baradero Buenos Aires Province, Argentina and the INIDEP, the sanitary quality of the Baradero River waters was studied and fish safety assessed. Results of five field surveys carried out between 1993 and 1997 are studied. Organochlorine and organophosphorate pesticide residues, as well as traces of heavy metals were analyzed in 49 fish specimens and aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB), total coliform bacteria (TC) and fecal coliform bacteria (FC) were counted out in 7 sampling stations placed on the coast and the riverbed. Alpha Hexachlorohexane, gamma Hexachlorohexane, beta Hexachlorohexane, Aldrin, Heptachlor epoxide, pp'DDE and Dieldrin were detected in fish tissues. The values of AHB found in different stations were not statistically different. The FC density on the coast was significantly greater than that found in the riverbed. Enterobacter cloacae, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila and Non-O1 Vibrio cholerae were identified. It is concluded that the current levels of heavy metals and pesticide residues in fish are not dangerous for the average consumer nevertheless, further research is needed to assess the risk for groups with higher consumption rates, such as sport and subsistence fishers. On the other hand, there is microbiological pollution in the river owed to both, industrial wastewater and sewage discharges. The recorded bacterial stocks, pathogenic or potentially pathogenic, are susceptible to cause illnesses. | Publisher permission | Published