Spatial and temporal variations in the transport and storage of trace metal contaminants in the upper Rio Pilcomayo, southern Bolivia

Autor:	Jerry R. Miller, Paul J. Lechler, Lionel F. Villarroel, Dru Germanoski
Rok vydání:	2009
Předmět:	geography geography.geographical_feature_category Ecology Landform Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Geochemistry Trace element Fluvial Sediment Drainage system (geomorphology) Spatial variability Trace metal Water pollution Geology General Environmental Science
Zdroj:	International Journal of Environment and Health. 3:334
ISSN:	1743-4963 1743-4955
DOI:	10.1504/ijenvh.2009.030107
Popis:	Mining of the Cerro Rico de Potosi precious metal-polymetallic tin deposits of Bolivia began in 1545 and has led to severe contamination of water and sediments of the upper Rio Pilcomayo drainage system. Detailed geomorphological, stratigraphic and geochemical analyses show that the downstream transport and deposition of sediment-borne trace metals from Cerro Rico vary among three types of river reaches. Reach types, called process zones, are characterised by a semi-homogeneous set of landforms and geomorphic processes. The potential for trace metals to be remobilised and negatively impact the riverine ecosystem also differs between these process zones. The analysis, then, demonstrates that the assessment of trace metal contamination within rivers that drain the eastern flank of the Andes, and other high relief terrains, requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates an understanding of both geomorphological and geochemical factors.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
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