Estudio de variables indicativas de riesgo en la toxicidad del arsé;nico

ELSA M. FARFÁN TORRES; L. LORENZO; A, BOEMO

La Contaminacion en Iberoamrica- Xenobioticos y Metales Pesados

Sociedad Iberoamericana de Fisica y Qulmica Ambiental

Lugar: Salamanca - Espana; Año: 2008; p. 195 - 214

Abstract In the semi-arid Chaco plain in Salta province, NW of Argentina, high natural concentrations of arsenic is often found in groundwater supply. Better quality drinking water is unavailable to the population, settled in small towns or dispersed in rural communities. Trace element analysis and major components characterization of 16 groundwater from Rivadavia Banda Sur, Salta,  showed high concentration of arsenic in sodium sulfate, acid carbonate or chloride waters (0.13 to 1.22 mg As/L), while in hard waters arsenic concentrations are below 0.06 mg/L.  Arsenic contents found in food samples indicate that the major route of exposition is drinking water.  Se, Sb and Zn are known to modulate arsenic toxicity; evaluation of dietary exposure of these elements indicate that Sb intake is under the tolerable limit (0.4 ìg /kg bw/day), while Recommended Daily Intake for Se and Zn is achieved only in meat and its composite food (12.5 ìg/kg bw/day and 1 mg /kg bw/day respectivelly).  Total As, Se and Sb analysis in urine samples proved high urinary detoxification ability, not compatible with dietary intake for Se and Sb.