Distribution and mobility of geogenic arsenic in the shallow aquifers of the northeast of La Pampa, Argentina

Groundwater contamination with elevated arsenic (As) and other toxic trace elements has been studied in the central part of the vast Chaco-Pampean Plain, in the city of Quemu Quemu, northeastern La Pampa, Argentina. The groundwater samples were mostly alkaline with pH ranging up to 9.18, oxidizing and characterized by high EC. The concentration of total As (5.58-535 µg/L) and fluoride (0.5-14.2 mg/L) in some samples exceeded the recommended WHO drinking water guideline and the Argentine national drinking water standard. Arsenic was positively correlated with HCO3-, F-, B and V. Long-term consumption of the groundwater could pose a severe health threat for the local community