Spatial and Temporal Ion Dynamics on a Complex Hydrological System: The Lower Luján River (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

LOMBARDO R.; O'FARRELL I.; DOS

AQUATIC GEOCHEMISTRY

SPRINGER

Año: 2010 vol. 16 p. 293 - 309

1380-6165

The interplay of the geochemistry of the lower stretch of the Luján River is analyzed with its natural geomorphology (basin features), local hydrometeorology (tidal regime and ¨sudestada¨ events) and the impact of polluted tributaries. Major ions, dissolved heavy metals and limnological variables sampled were analyzed using multivariate techniques. The water quality of the mainstream of the Luján River, flowing through urbanized and industrialized areas is strongly and positively influenced by the input of the Paraná River through deltaic watercourses and is negatively impacted after receiving the discharge from polluted watercourses, indicated by intense organic matter degradation and high rates of oxygen consumption. The longitudinal spatial variations results the most important ones in the Lower Luján Basin, showing clearly the riverine and the deltaic water influenced zones. The seasonal variation related to temperature and the variation associated with the estuarine cycle and the ¨sudestadas¨ were also marked.