THE INCIDENCE OF RAINFALL VARIABILITY ON HYDROCHEMISTRY AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK OF NATURAL POLLUTANTS IN AN ENDORHEIC BASIN OF THE SOUTHERN PAMPEAN PLAIN

Incidence of rainfall variability on hydrochemistry and the potential health risk of natural pollutants in an endorheic basin of the Southern Pampean Plain

Abstract

The rainfall variability modifies the presence of natural pollutants (As-F) in this water resource, leaving a significant percentage of rural and peri-urban inhabitants exposed to the development of diseases. The objective is to analyze the hydrochemical variation produced by rainfalls and determine the potential health risk caused by ingestion and dermal contact of water. In order to determine the As-F values and perform health risk analyses, ten water samples were extracted from the Puán lagoon basin in different rainfall periods for 3 years. The water table  depth was determined in order to study the hydrodynamics. All variables were analyzed statistically. In a period of low rainfall, the As-F concentrations in groundwater for human consumption increase, showing that the presence of As represents a high health risk for people, unlike F. The water in the lagoon is unfit for human consumption, and does not represent a risk due to dermal contact for the health of those who play water sports.