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Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
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JEH Volume 7 (1999), Paper 17, October 1999 Posted
October 30, 1999
NITRATE CONTAMINATION IN THE PHREATIC AQUIFER OF AN AGROECOSYSTEM OF
THE CHACOPAMPEANA PLAIN,
CORDOBA, ARGENTINA
A. Cabrera and M. Blarasin
Departamento de Geología, Universidad Nacional de Río
Cuarto, Rio Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
ABSTRACT
The functionality and pollution potential of the agroecosystem of the
Los Jagüeles basin were characterized and an initial spatial assessment
of nitrate levels in the phreatic aquifer was made. This aquifer, used
for many purposes, is made up of Quaternary materials of alluvial and aeolian
origin. It has sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate-chloride waters and
shows signs of degradation because of the presence of nitrate. Nitrate
levels range from 1 to 70 ppm, and a connection between these values and
the present use of soils and their derived pollution activities can be
observed. The arrival of nitrates to the aquifer is influenced by many
factors, such as lithology of the unsaturated zone, well depths, and soil
types. Nevertheless, because of high variability in the basin, it was impossible
to arrive at a definite relation between nitrate levels and two selected
parameters, water depth and well age.
Reference: Cabrera, A. and M. Blarasin; Nitrate Contamination
in the Phreatic Aquifer of an Agroecosystem of the Chacopampeana Plain,
Cordoba, Argentina, Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 7, Paper
17, October 1999.
A. Cabrera
Departamento de Geología
Univ. Nacional de Rio Cuarto
Agencia Post. 3
5800 - Rio Cuarto
Cordoba, Argentina
Email:acabrera@exa.unrc.edu.ar