Seasonal evaluation of potential ecological risk from heavy metals and arsenic in surface sediments of the Inner Puno Bay, Titicaca Lake, Peru

Villafuerte-Prudencio N.; Romero-Iruri-De-Soto L.E.; Ramos-Pineda J.R.; Quispe-Flores R.J.; Pacheco-Tanaka M.E. · Revista Internacional de Contaminacion Ambiental (2026) · DOI: 10.20937/rica.55658

Resumen

The surface sediments of the Inner Puno Bay (IPB), located in Titicaca Lake (Peru), constitute a reservoir of contaminants including metals and metalloids. This study evaluated the potential ecological risk posed by heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Ni) and the metalloid As, during the rainy and dry seasons of 2023. Sediment samples were collected at six stations, with three replicates taken at each station. Concentrations were determined using optical emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry. Mathematical models were used to determine the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). As showed the highest risk of contamination, since its concentration exceeded the probable effect level (PEL) and probable effect concentration (PEC) values. Its Igeo value indicated moderate contamination, and its EF indicated extremely severe enrichment in both seasons. The As Er i at Station E-05 during the rainy season reached moderate risk, while the RI in both seasons was classified as low ecological risk. The results obtained in this research confirm and expand the findings of previous studies carried out in the IPB. This study provides a comparative temporal evaluation in two distinct climatic seasons (rainy and dry), an aspect that has not been systematically addressed in previous research at the IPB.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano