Freshwater lenses as ecological and population sustenance, case study in the coastal wetland of Samborombón Bay (Argentina)

TANJAL CAROLINA; CAROL ELEONORA; RICHIANO SEBASTIAN; SANTUCCI LUCIA

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2017

0025-326X

Freshwater lenses associated to shell ridges and sand sheets exist on the coastal wetland of Samborombón Bay.As they constitute one of the most vulnerable aquifer systems, it is the aim of this study to determine the hydrogeochemical processes that condition the chemical quality of its groundwater and to assess their present andfuture capability as sustenance of native woods and local villagers. To achieve this, hydrogeomorphological field surveys were made and groundwater samples were taken. Results show that lenses have a mean thickness of 12 m and its chemical quality depends on the dissolution of CO⁠2(g) and carbonates, weathering of silicates and ion exchange. Lenses can be affected by long-term climatic variability and mining. The study of morphology and geochemistry of the freshwater lenses bring lights into important information about the management of water resources and conservation of the environment.