Characterization of the hydrochemistry in a high Andean sub-basin in the region of Moquegua, Peru

Visitación-Bustamante K.; Ramos-Fernandez L.; Visitación-Figueroa L. · Tecnologia y Ciencias del Agua (2023) · DOI: 10.24850/j-tyca-14-05-06

Resumen

This study evaluates the hydrochemical variability of the Asana River affected by the influence of the Millune Creek in Moquegua, Peru. The water quality monitoring data from 2010 to 2018 were analyzed using Gibbs diagrams, molar ratios, Piper diagrams, Stiff diagrams, and the PHREEQC hydrogeochemical model for the identification of water saturation indices and the main minerals to which the bodies of water were exposed. Principal component analysis enabled the identification of the variability of the hydrochemistry as a function of the source and its seasonality. The results showed that the waters of Millune Creek, a tributary of the Asana River, were acidic in nature and had high concentrations of aluminum and manganese ions with respect to what was established in the ECA water (Environmental Quality Standard for Water), while the Asana River had low concentrations. Both rivers naturally have calcium sulfate. The aluminum and manganese ions were from the weathering of the mineral alunite and the erosion of the soil mineral contribution by the gradual thawing of the Arundani Mountains, which are located at the origin of the Asana River basin. Finally, the Asana River, due to its buffering capacity, neutralizes acidic waters and decreases the solubility of dissolved cations.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina