Abstract
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.