Abstract
Soluble components in rainwater were studied in Valle de Lerma (Salta-Argentina). The studied area is located in the central south area of Salta Province in the Cordillera Oriental region, Northwest Argentina. The largest urban area corresponds to Salta city, where sample collection and analysis of rainwater were performed between 2009 and 2012 periods. Conductivity and pH were measured on each sample, and major (Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Na, Mg, K, Ca) and trace elements (Al, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Sb, Ba and Pb) were analyzed. Multivariate statistical calculation and enrichment factor were applied to the obtained data. Atmospheric dust collected on the same sampling stations were used as reference for enrichment factors calculations. The local rainwater presents significant enrichment in Ca, Cu, Zn, As, Sb and Pb while statistical analyses indicate a direct correlation between them. The association of elements in the rainwater is similar to those for the polymetallic ore deposits outcropping in the Puna-Altiplano region, which are located to west of the study area. Satellite images as well as previous research indicates transport of atmospheric dust from the Puna-Altiplano to the East, where Valle de Lerma is suited. We conclude that this phenomenon gives a particular print to the chemistry of the rainwater in this area. This work corresponds to the first study of the rainwater’s chemical composition in this region. As Salta city lacks of significant air pollution or major sources from anthropogenic activities, the data on this paper establish the background of the Valle de Lerma rainwater geochemistry.
Highlights
En este sentido, el interés en el estudio de la composición química del agua de lluvia ha sido focalizado principalmente en zonas cercanas a intenso tráfico vehicular, grandes poblaciones y actividad industrial que producen importantes emisiones gaseosas y de partículas a la atmósfera (Ayres et al, 1995; Lara et al, 2005; Báez et al, 2007)
Soluble components in rainwater were studied in Valle de Lerma (Salta-Argentina)
The studied area is located in the central south area of Salta Province in the Cordillera Oriental region, Northwest Argentina
Summary
La composición química del agua de lluvia es objeto de estudio en ciudades con altos niveles de contaminación (Báez y Belmont, 1987; De Mello, 2001; Báez et al, 2007). Otras fuentes que modifican la composición química del agua de lluvia se relacionan con fenómenos naturales, como el material particulado transportado por el viento desde zonas áridas o desérticas (Loÿe-Pilot et al, 1986; Kaya y Tuncel, 1997; Al-Momani, 2003). En las capas más altas de la atmósfera, la circulación atmosférica sobre el valle se caracteriza por vientos provenientes del sector oeste que al atravesar la región Puna-Altiplano levantan material particulado fino y eventualmente es depositado por vía húmeda o seca, en el valle de Lerma (Gaiero et al, 2013). La baja o nula contaminación antrópica del valle de Lerma, asociada a la escasez de industrias y al discreto parque automotor, orientaron la hipótesis a que la química del agua de lluvia en la región podría estar determinada por sus características geológicasgeográficas y climáticas.
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