Surface and groundwater quality in the northeastern region of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Abstract

10 páginas, 5 figuras, 4 tablas.This work studies the water quality of the Pergamino–Arrecifes River zone in the Rolling Pampa, northeast Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Temperature, pH, specific conductivity, Na, K, Mg, Ca, SO4 2-, Cl-, HCo3-, NO3-, Si, Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn, and the environmental stable δ18O and δ2H isotope ratios were determined in 18 sampling stations. Natural and anthropogenic features influence surface and groundwater quality. Point pollution sources (septic wells and other domestic and farming effluents) increase the nitrate concentration. The values of pH, No3-, Al, As, B, Fe, and Mn exceed the respective Argentine reference thresholds in different sampling stations for human drinking water; B, Mo, U, and V for irrigation; and V and Zn for cattle consumption.This work was partially funded through Project PEI 0112/98 from CONICET and Project TG57 from the University of Buenos Aires. This work was carried out within the framework of PEGEFA SGR 2005 795 Research Consolidated Group, funded by AGAUR-DURSI, Generalitat de Catalunya.Peer reviewe