SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: General San Martín Park, located in Mendoza, Argentina, is the city's most emblematic green infrastructure, designed in 1896 by architect Carlos Thays. The park plays a critical role in microclimate regulation, water conservation, and public health resilience. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of the water used for irrigation in the most important park of the city of Mendoza, the General San Martín Park, through a comprehensive series of analyses. Methods: This study assessed the physicochemical and biological quality of irrigation water in the park, focusing on parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, sulfates, and anthropogenic contaminants. Samples were collected at 20 points across the irrigation network during three periods (October 2024, April 2025, October 2025). Results: Indicate that irrigation water is generally of good quality, suitable for sustaining the park's forest mass. pH values remained within the optimal irrigation range (6.5–8.4), while nitrate levels were consistently below the 30 ppm threshold, with no nitrites detected. Hardness and alkalinity varied spatially, particularly near the Alto Godoy Water Treatment Plant, suggesting localized inputs of dissolved solids. Turbidity and conductivity strongly correlated with hardness, reflecting the influence of suspended and dissolved mineral content from runoff and seasonal hydrological dynamics of the Mendoza River. Importantly, we found no evidence of toxic anthropogenic contaminants such as heavy metals, cyanides, or petroleum derivatives. Discussion: Overall, the findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring. From a management perspective. These results establish a baseline of water quality indicators for the park. They provide essential input for long-term strategies in conservation, recreation, and environmental education, ensuring resilience against water scarcity and urban expansion. The study underscores the park's role as both a cultural heritage site and a living laboratory for sustainable urban ecology.

Background: Vector-borne diseases are increasingly important because they are emerging and re-emerging. Of the 867 tick species reported worldwide, 10% (86 species) have public health implications; 58 parasitize dogs, and 12 have been documented in Argentina. Tick-borne agents are increasingly relevant in the Cuyo region, with implications for both public health and domestic animal health. In Mendoza, the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex and Amblyomma tigrinum have been documented. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether one tick genus predominated over the other, compared with previous studies in the region. Methods: We collected ticks from dogs attending municipal vaccination campaigns and veterinary clinics in several departments of the Greater Mendoza area (Ciudad/Capital, Luján de Cuyo, Godoy Cruz, and Guaymallén). Specimens were preserved in 70% (v/v) ethanol in sealed containers until analysis. Identification was performed using a stereomicroscope and the taxonomic keys of Nava. Results: The highest number of ticks was obtained from Ciudad/Capital, followed by Luján de Cuyo, Godoy Cruz, and Guaymallén. A total of 439 specimens were collected and classified by genus, species, and sex. Of these, 94.46% (415 ticks) corresponded to the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex, including 193 females (43.96%) and 222 males (50.5%). The remaining 5.48% (24 ticks) were identified as Amblyomma tigrinum, including 17 females (3.89%) and 7 males (1.59%). Discussion: These findings confirm the marked predominance of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex among ticks collected from dogs in the Greater Mendoza area.

Background: Nutrition strategies may influence marathon performance and runners’ subjective experience. Aims: To evaluate the association between dietary habits, supplement use, performance, and subjective experience in runners of the 2025 Mendoza International Marathon. Methods: A survey of 240 runners from the 2025 Mendoza International Marathon examined dietary habits, supplement use, performance, and subjective experience. Results: Nutritional counseling was linked to more favorable perceptions. Conversely, pre-race alcohol and excessive carbohydrates with poor hydration increased gastrointestinal complaints. Supplements showed no measurable performance or well-being benefits. Discussions: These findings suggest that pre-race nutritional behaviors may have a greater influence on runners’ subjective experience than supplement use.Conclusions: Nutritional guidance may improve race experience, whereas poor pre-race practices increase gastrointestinal complaints.