Geochemical processes controlling mobilization of arsenic and Trace Elements in shallow aquifers in mining regions, Bolivian Altiplano

• A geochemical approach was applied to understand the factors controlling the mobilization of As and trace elements (TEs) in these mining areas. A total of 30 samples (wells and geothermal water) were collected during the rainy season (2009). As, Cd and Mn concentrations exceed WHO drinking guidelines in some groundwater samples, but Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn do not. Factor analysis of the groundwater chemical data suggests the following geochemical processes: i) plagioclase weathering, ii) dissolution of gypsum and halite, iii) trace element mobilization at acidic pH, iv) sulfide oxidation, and v) release of As following competition with phosphate and bicarbonate for adsorption sites. The As and TEs mobilized in these regions could affect the local water sources, which is a prevalent concern with respect to water resource management in this semi-arid Altiplano region.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Aquifers

Arsenic

Groundwater resources

Hydrochemistry

Hydrogeology

Lead

Water management

Bolivian Altiplano

Geochemical approaches

Geochemical process

Geothermal water

Mn concentrations

Shallow aquifers

Sulfide oxidation

Waterresource management

Process control

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)