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Spatial and Temporal Ion Dynamics on a Complex Hydrological System: The Lower Luján River (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

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Abstract

The interplay of the geochemistry of the lower stretch of the Luján River is analyzed with its natural geomorphology (basin features), local hydrometeorology (tidal regime and “sudestada” events) and the impact of polluted tributaries. Major ions, dissolved heavy metals and limnological variables were analyzed using multivariate techniques. The water quality of the mainstream of the Luján River, flowing through urbanized and industrialized areas is strongly and positively influenced by the input of the Paraná River through deltaic watercourses and is negatively impacted after receiving the discharge from polluted watercourses. The longitudinal spatial variations evidenced major discontinuities in the Lower Luján Basin, showing clearly the riverine and the deltaic water influenced zones. Seasonal variations were also marked and were either temperature driven or associated with the estuarine cycle and the “sudestada”.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported with grants from the University of Buenos Aires, CONICET and ANPCYT. The authors are also grateful to Prefectura Naval Argentina for making available a ship for this research work and for the field assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CONICET, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Int. Güiraldes 2620, Pab. II, 4o piso, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Ruben J. Lombardo & Inés O’Farrell

  2. INQUIMAE, FCEyN, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pab. II, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    María dos Santos Afonso

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  1. Ruben J. Lombardo
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  2. Inés O’Farrell
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  3. María dos Santos Afonso
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Correspondence to Ruben J. Lombardo.

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Lombardo, R.J., O’Farrell, I. & dos Santos Afonso, M. Spatial and Temporal Ion Dynamics on a Complex Hydrological System: The Lower Luján River (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Aquat Geochem 16, 293–309 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-009-9064-5

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