Calidad hidroquímica del recurso hídrico en una cuenca endorreica del sudoeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires

Abstract

>Water quality is a relative term which refers to those water components affected by substances produced by natural processes or human activities. As such, it must be considered as a neutral term that qualifies water as good or bad referring to the implication of its use. The purpose of this work is to analyze the hydrochemistry of water resources from an endorheic watershed known as Laguna de Puán, located in the south-west of Buenos Aires Province, and to determine the water quality for farming use and human consumption. Data provided by the municipal authorities were considered and samples of the water table and lake were taken. Physicochemical factors as pH, electric conductivity, several salts and oligoelements were measured. Research results determine that underground waters are mainly freshwaters, with good aptitude for cattle raising and irrigation but low salted and moderately sodic risk. Noxious elements as As, V, F and Cr are observed. Some samples overcome maximum admitted values for human consumption and may generate diseases in the medium/long term. Lake water results show useless aptitude for any kind of use.