Chemical behavior of the Salí River, Province of Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

Major ionic composition and other chemical parameters were determined at five sampling stations on the Sali River (Province of Tucuman, Argentina). The heavy human usage of the river causes increased levels of dissolved ions, from the dissolution of halite and gypsum, and from the weathering of basic sediments. Correlations demonstrate that sodium chloride and sulphate, and calcium carbonate are the main contributors to dissolved ions in the river. In the polluted region, south of the Celestino Gelsi dam, the main source of calcium and sulphate is the dissolution of gypsum. Large amounts of halite are also dissolved. Weathering of biotite, K-feldspar and albite are suggested by the data. Conductivity, dissolved oxygen and organic matter all indicate severe contamination by organic matter (mainly from sugar-cane processing) in the lower course. The data also demonstrate a substantial improvement in water quality before the discharge of the river at the Rio Hondo dam. Data from the Colorado (a tributary of the Sali River) and Medina rivers are also analyzed and compared.