The contamination state in Pampas soils. An overview

LAVADO, R.S

Roma

Simposio; GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON SOIL POLLUTION; 2018

UN Food and Agriculture Organization

The soils in each specific area of the world are subject to accumulation of contaminants from different anthropogenic sources. Due to the pedogenetic characteristics of the Pampas Region soils and their demographic and productive features, fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water could be its main sources of pollutants. The region is the main agricultural area in Argentina, showing a surplus of food production, which is exported to other countries. The region shows a dual panorama about agricultural inputs: an historical deficit in fertilizer use and, conversely, a large utilization of agrochemicals. The objective of this communication is to provide an overview of the current status of the pollution of agricultural and urban and suburban soil of the Pampas region, focusing on heavy metals, herbicides and geogenic toxic elements.The agricultural soils of the Pampas contain low concentrations of heavy metals. Conversely, the presence of pesticides, especially herbicides, in soils, water and air was registered, rising the concern of some people. The incorporation of arsenic, other elements and soluble salts due to irrigation is a new risk in some agricultural areas. In contrast, in urban areas, the soils show significant accumulation of heavy metals, geogenic elements and other contaminants. In those areas there are several activities causing pollutant rich emissions or residues. No effects of local contamination were registered on crops yield or quality with the exception, although in a limited extent, in suburban areas.