Introduction:

The factors that allow the management of river systems at metallic contamination risk, must be clearly identified in order to reduce the degree of contamination and mitigate its effects. The objective of the work was to develop and implement a procedure for the sustainable management of river systems at risk of metal contamination, which serve as a tool to facilitate decision making at the territorial level.

Methods:

It was established the conceptual model (dimensions, categories and indicators) and the implementation procedure by expert consultations. During the implementation in the Pedroso-Mampostón river system, they were used ICPMS and RX- fluorescence techniques, catalytic oxidation, gaseous phase chromatography, potentiometry and X-ray diffraction. They were used semi-structured interviews and team work to obtain information and communicate results.

Results:

The conceptual model consists in two subsystems (Monitoring and Response), that characterize pollution and categorize ecosystems by evaluating six abiotic and eight biotic indicators. It was defined the procedure that guides the implementation of the model in four stages and it was applied in the Pedroso-Mampostón river system, which allowed its hydrological units to be categorized: Mampostón Dam-Category I; Ganuza River, Mampostón River and Pedroso Dam-Category IV. Contamination is characterized as widespread-restricted, frequent and very dangerous. There is evidence of toxicity in fish (moderate-high CPEt: concentrations of Cd not recommended for consumption in 37.5%-44.0%; high Pb content in 14%-20%) and plants (PDF in macrophytes: 16%-32% Cd and Pb). In humans, there is a chronic non-carcinogenic danger from a consumption of 81 g.day-1 and a real-restricted carcinogenic risk. Conclusions: The procedure can be useful to other ecosystems at metallic contamination risk.

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